Mary Jane Voelker Courtyard Blessing
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Mary Jane Voelker
On May 25, 2023, more than 75 guests attended St. Mary-Corwin Health Foundation’s unveiling of a statue dedicated to Mary Jane Voelker and her legacy. As a devoted supporter of the Dorcy Cancer Center, Mary Jane Voelker cared deeply about building access to comprehensive cancer care in the Pueblo community.
In total, Mary Jane has given more than $8.2 million to the foundation. This is the largest philanthropic donation received by SMC Health Foundation.
“Mary Jane’s generosity will support our commitment to accessible, world-class cancer care services and programs in Pueblo at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital’s Dorcy Cancer Center,” said Linda Russell, Philanthropy Officer. “Her legacy will have a profound impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families in our community and across Southern Colorado.”
Before she passed away in 2021, she established the Mary Jane Voelker Family Trust, which has left behind transformational legacy gifts to St. Mary-Corwin Health Foundation—all designated for the Dorcy Cancer Center.
The SMC Foundation unveiled and blessed a statue in Mary Jane’s honor along with a dedication of the Mary Jane Voelker Living Legacy Courtyard. The statue was created by Rick Willits, a local sculpture artist. The new courtyard will provide a quiet, peaceful place for cancer patients and their families to rest and reflect. This transformational gift helps SMC extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to keep every community, every neighborhood, every life whole and healthy.
We welcome community members to visit the Mary Jane Voelker Living Legacy Courtyard to enjoy this statue and the peace it brings to our courtyard space. The courtyard is located just south of the cancer center entrance off of Lake Ave.
Mary Jane’s generosity, love and support will have a lasting impact on our hospital’s commitment to providing accessible, world-class cancer care to patients in need.
[Middle Photo: Pictured from left to right: Linda Russell, Dr. John Stageberg, Rob Kilmer, Sue Kilmer, Rick Willits, Seb Girard.]
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