4 minute read
Louise Harris
A tradition of philanthropy
Louise Harris gives to Huntington Hospital as a way of continuing a legacy of giving that she began with late husband, Marshall. “He was very fond of the hospital,” she says. This philanthropic tradition began when the couple made their first contribution to us in 1992, and has continued ever since.
After Marshall passed away in 2013, Louise, when reviewing her will, decided to designate an investment account to the hospital. She recently accelerated her estate gift, so that we may use the funds in the more immediate term. “I wanted the hospital to be able to use the money now,” she says. “It’s a great cause to support.” Louise is a foresighted member of our Legacy Gift Society, and Huntington Hospital is still remembered in her will.
Louise’s leadership gift is helping us create a more sustainable medical campus, where patients in our region will receive care in the years and decades to come. In recognition of Louise’s support, we are naming a patient room in our West Tower in her and Marshall’s honor.
Ties that bind. The hospital has been a part of the Harris family in other ways, as well: After he retired, Marshall began volunteering here, providing errand and escort services. Louise notes that her husband greatly enjoyed volunteering at the hospital, which he did for more than a decade.
The connection, however, does not stop there: Marshall was also born here, and both he and Louise have been patients at the hospital. She has had, for example, two knee surgeries here, which were performed by Todd Dietrick, MD, medical director of our joint replacement program. “I always received the best care,” she says.
Before he retired, Marshall owned a successful wallpaper and interior design shop in Pasadena. Louise spent her career working in human resources, and retired as the director of human resource management for California State University, Los Angeles, after 17 years there.
A neighbor introduced Louise to Marshall. When they married, Louise became not only a stepmother to Marshall’s children, Susan and Lee, but also a grandmother to Susan’s and Lee’s children. The family has since grown further, and Louise now has four step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Louise remains close with the family, visiting as often as she can.
Active in her community. Louise and Marshall shared a love of travel, and Louise recounts one trip to Russia that was especially memorable — their last trip together before Marshall died.
Today, Louise keeps busy by maintaining several rental properties. She also enjoys connecting with neighbors and friends, with whom she regularly played bridge and sometimes travelled, prior to the start of the pandemic. Her more constant companions, however, are her two beloved Boston terriers, Hobart (Hobie) and Roxie.
Like her late husband, Louise believes in supporting her community through volunteerism: She donated her time, for example, as the president of the Green House Gift Shop, which raised money for important causes, including the Braille Institute.
Giving back continues to be an important priority for Louise, as evidenced by her most recent gift to the hospital. As she says, “I know Huntington Hospital will put the money to good use. It’s an important institution, and it does a lot of good for a lot of people.”
Have you considered including Huntington Hospital in your estate plan?
A charitable bequest is an easy and tangible way to make a lasting impact.
You may leave money that will help us meet any needs that may arise, or you may identify a program that has special meaning to you. Your gift may reduce the tax burden on your family and estate.
Consult with your attorney to learn how your will or living trust can specify that a particular asset, dollar amount or percentage of your estate be given to Huntington Hospital.
Please contact Helen Bechtolt, senior director of principal gifts, at helen.bechtolt@huntingtonhospital.com or (626) 397-3241 for more information.
