Mary Poole 1931-2021

Mary Poole 1931-2021

Mary Poole served as Executive Director of Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation from 1976-1992. At a time when hospital foundations were a relatively new concept, she played a key role in Presbyterian’s early growth. Mary passed away in November 2021 at age 90.

A firm believer in donor recognition, Mary created many of the programs that have enabled the Foundation to expand services and programs and fund important initiatives. During her tenure, Mary supported the

Foundation board in building the endowment from $500,000 to $10 million and created annual giving programs, planned giving vehicles and special campaigns, many of which are still in use today.

“Mary had the grace to recognize the beauty in all givers and treated everyone with respect,” says Vicki Macaulay, former PHS staff member. Mary hired Vicki in 1988 and Vicki remembers her fondly as a “remarkable mentor with high ethical standards.”

In addition to her service as an employee of the Foundation and a well-respected fundraising professional, Mary was a generous donor, making regular gifts throughout her lifetime and including Presbyterian as the recipient of a planned gift.

“Mary was a remarkable donor herself and knew the art of developing relationships like nobody I have ever known,” Vicki says.