The Lasting Impact of Estate Gifts: Honoring Jean Olson’s Legacy

At Mary Greeley, we are deeply moved and humbled by the generosity of donors who choose to include us in their estate plans. Recently, we were touched by an unexpected and significant gift from the estate of Jean Olson. Her generosity is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that such contributions can have on our community.

Jean Olson, a lifelong resident of Iowa, grew up in Stanhope and spent the last 24 years of her life in Story City. A dedicated supporter of Iowa Public Radio and Iowa Public Television, Jean's compassion extended to hospice services—a cause close to her heart due to personal experiences.

Jean’s special friend, Fred Tjarks, benefited from Mary Greeley Home Hospice services in 2013. Later, Jean herself received care from Cedar Valley Hospice in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Grateful for the dignity and support provided by these organizations, Jean chose to leave a substantial gift in her will to support hospice services at Mary Greeley Medical Center, specifically benefiting the Mary Greeley Home Hospice and the Israel Family Hospice House.

Making a Meaningful Impact

Melissa McGarry, Mary Greeley Foundation Executive Director, says gifts like Jean’s are especially meaningful.

"The significance of her generosity cannot be overstated,” McGarry says. “Jean entrusted us with her legacy, and we are committed to honoring that trust by making a meaningful impact on end-of-life care in our community."

Gifts like Jean's create a profound and lasting legacy. They ensure that services like hospice care remain accessible and available in our community.

"Estate gifts are more than simply financial contributions," McGarry says. "They are investments in the future of our community’s health and well-being. Jean’s decision to support our hospice services means her impact will be felt by countless families who will benefit from Mary Greeley’s compassionate end-of-life care."

Establishing a Legacy

Jean’s gift exemplifies the importance of planned giving and the difference it can make. By including Mary Greeley Medical Center in her estate plans, Jean ensured that her legacy would continue to support others even after her passing.

To recognize and honor donors like Jean, the Mary Greeley Foundation established the Greeley Society. Named after Captain Wallace Greeley, this society honors those who have included the medical center as a beneficiary of a planned gift. These donors play a critical role in securing the future of Mary Greeley Medical Center, ensuring that it continues to provide exceptional care for generations to come.

Members of the Greeley Society, whether through a lifetime income gift or by naming the medical center in a will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy, are acknowledged for their forward-thinking generosity. 

"By notifying us of their gift commitment, these donors become part of a legacy that will have a lasting impact," McGarry says. "We are deeply grateful for these gifts and the future they help secure."

Offering Appreciation

Jean’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of planned giving. McGarry just has one regret.

"It is incredibly humbling to receive these estate gifts," McGarry says. "But it is too bad that Jean's generosity was unknown to us until we received it. We would have loved to have connected with Jean, gotten to know her story a little bit better, and shared with her just how much her support means. 

“We encourage donors to let us know about their planned gifts,” McGarry continues. “This will allow us to properly express our gratitude and ensure their contributions are recognized and used according to their wishes."

For more information about the Greeley Society and how you can support Mary Greeley Medical Center through planned giving, please visit us at mgmc.org/foundation or call (515) 239-2147.