In Memoriam of Azela Gohl Giese

AOTF is sad to inform our community of the passing of Azela Gohl Giese of Roseville, Minnesota. Azela was an occupational therapy professor at St. Catherine University from 1962-1998. She received her BSOT from the school in 1959. During her 3 decades at St. Catherine, Azela served as the department chair and academic fieldwork coordinator as well secured an array of federal and foundation grants to provide stipends for disadvantaged students, advance new technologies in OT and support community-based fieldwork initiatives. She also served 2 terms as the President of the Minnesota OT Association. Upon her retirement in 1998, Azela was named a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and was awarded the title of Professor Emerita at St. Catherine’s.

Azela was a long-time supporter of AOTF, making gifts for over 30 years to support our work and especially her school through the St. Catherine Challenge.

A memorial service for Azela will be held at St. Rose of Lima in Roseville, MN on March 31, 2023 at 10am. She has included AOTF among the memorial gifts that can be made in her memory.