Mary Franks continues her mother's work through legacy giving

By Kortney Scroger

Health care has always been a part of Mary Franks' family. Her mother, Edith, was a registered nurse during World War II, and she herself spent her career working in long-term care and assisted living facilities.

"I was raised to take care of others. If we take care of each other, then nobody will be in need or go without," Mary explains.

She attributes her determination to give back to her mother's lifelong passion for helping the underserved, especially children. In a number of places where they lived when she was growing up, often abroad, her mother established well baby clinics. She thought kids would be better off growing up if they got a good start.

"She was always trying to give back in some way, form or fashion. You couldn't keep her still," Mary says.

To preserve her mother's legacy, Mary created an endowment in her mother's name through the Mary Bridge Children's Foundation. The endowment will be used year after year to benefit care for children at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. She and many of her friends have contributed to the fund. And, to continue her support after her lifetime, Mary has also has included the endowment in her estate plan. She knows her mother would be proud of the services Mary Bridge provides and will continue to provide well into the future.

"Leaving a legacy gift is a good way to remember and honor your loved ones — to continue their life as it was," Mary explains. "My mother's life was about doing all she could for kids. With a gift in my will to Mary Bridge in her memory, she's still continuing her work. That means more to me than anything."

Mary also honors her mother's memory by volunteering her time and encouraging others to do the same. Her latest project? Creating craft bags for hospitalized children.

"It's exciting every time I'm part of a new project or volunteer endeavor. I get so much pleasure out of helping others," Mary says.

Contact our gift planning team at 253-403-1264 or plannedgiving@multicare.org to learn how you can honor the memory of your loved one through a legacy gift while supporting healthier and happier communities well into the future.