The Florida healthcare community is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Jennifer Nygaard, a highly respected executive who served as Senior Vice President of Operations at VITAS Healthcare.
Her unexpected passing has left colleagues, friends, and loved ones devastated, as they mourn a woman who dedicated her career to elevating compassionate patient care and supporting families during the most difficult chapters of life.
Nygaard was widely regarded as a driving force within VITAS Healthcare — known not only for her professionalism and operational expertise, but for her genuine empathy, calm leadership, and ability to inspire others around her.
Over the course of her distinguished career, Jennifer worked tirelessly to enhance end-of-life care services, strengthening programs and guiding teams with integrity and purpose. Those who worked closely with her remember her dedication to excellence, her commitment to staff, and her unwavering focus on the human side of healthcare.
Coworkers describe her as a natural mentor — someone who led with heart, humility, and respect. She was known as a leader who listened, encouraged growth, and built lasting relationships grounded in trust and compassion.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jennifer touched countless lives on a personal level. Friends and family remember her warmth, her kindness, and her ability to make others feel valued and supported. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, compassion, and impact.
VITAS Healthcare employees have expressed profound grief at her loss, sharing stories of her dedication and the mark she left on the organization. One colleague wrote, “Jennifer represented everything VITAS stands for — compassion, dignity, excellence. She was a leader, a mentor, a friend. Her influence will live on in every life she touched.”
Outside of work, Jennifer cherished time with her loved ones and enjoyed Florida’s beauty, sunshine, and community. Her sudden passing is deeply felt across the state and beyond — a loss that will resonate with those she worked alongside, and with families whose lives were uplifted through her contributions.
A remarkable leader, a devoted daughter, and a compassionate soul — Jennifer Nygaard will never be forgotten.