WRH RPN Wins 18th Annual Lois Fairley Nursing Award
6-5-2025
The 18th annual Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Lois Fairley Nursing Award has been given to a nurse who embodies everything a nurse should be — compassionate, dedicated, resilient and deeply committed to both her patients and coworkers.
Marisa Smith is a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in the Operating Room at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette Campus. Described by her colleagues as a “calm, reassuring presence in the OR,” Marisa helps ease patients’ anxieties while using her clinical skill to ensure surgeries are as safe and smooth as possible.
“As a patient advocate, Marisa is relentless in ensuring every voice is heard, especially those who cannot speak for themselves,” explains fellow nurse Dayna Copp. “She is meticulous in safeguarding patient dignity and comfort, often taking the time to personally connect with families and walk them through procedures, easing fears and building trust. Her compassion extends beyond duty — she treats every patient like she would want her own family to be treated.”
Marisa also takes initiative in mentoring new nurses and sharing her knowledge while helping them gain confidence. Her leadership by example has earned her the respect of both her peers and supervisors. According to her colleagues, even in moments of exhaustion, Marisa finds ways to uplift others, offer encouragement and maintain positivity among her team.
Marisa represents the very best of nursing. Her passion, strength and humanity shine through in every interaction — she is truly one-of-a-kind!
Congratulations Marisa on this well deserved honour!
The annual award recipient is selected by members of the Fairley family and the Windsor-Essex chapter of the RNAO from nominations received from the public.
Past Windsor Regional Hospital winners include:
- Linda Moroun – 2008
- Terry Johnston – 2010
- Ursula DeBono – 2012
- Rita DiBiase – 2015
- Marylynn Holzel – 2016
- Douglas Mercer – 2018
- Mary Cunningham – 2023
The award is named after Lois Fairley, a graduate of Windsor's Grace Hospital nursing program in 1955, who spent her career caring for patients at Grace Hospital as a nurse and head nurse until her retirement in 1993. She also served the nursing profession as a member of the Provincial Board of Directors of RNAO and served as President of the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA). She was also a St. Clair College Nursing Program Advisory Committee member.
Fairley passed away in 2007 — the RNAO began handing out the award in Windsor-Essex in 2008.
