Supporters Like You
Pat and Debbie Greene
Pat and Debbie Greene met as teenagers at Bishop Montgomery High School—he was a sophomore, she was a freshman—and have been building a life together ever since.
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Rooted in Faith, Carried Forward: The Greene Family Legacy at Little Company of Mary
Married 39 years and proud grandparents of four, the Greenes have deep roots in the South Bay. Recently, they made one of the most meaningful commitments a donor can make: a planned gift to Little Company of Mary Medical Center that will extend their family’s legacy of care long into the future. It is, in many ways, the culmination of a connection that stretches back to Pat’s childhood.
When the hospital was still taking shape in the late 1950s, Pat’s father, Edward Greene, was already involved. Through their shared parish at St. James Catholic Church, Edward had become close friends with George Schneider, a community leader who played a pivotal role in establishing Little Company of Mary. The two men shared a vision: that a Catholic hospital would be of immeasurable benefit to the community they loved. That belief was more than philosophical; it was lived. Pat’s aunt, Eileen Greene, served as secretary to Sister Magdalene for more than 20 years. A stained glass window in the hospital chapel honors her husband, Frank.
“Both my parents demonstrated an enlightened sense of social responsibility,” Pat says. “Not just giving to the church—giving to your community.”
It was a lesson he absorbed fully. After serving in the Army and joining his family’s concrete business—”due to the unintended laws of nepotism,” he jokes—Pat helped grow the company his parents had built on a shoestring in 1952. That success, he says plainly, is what made generosity possible. His father used to say: One must keep giving until the Giver quits giving to you — the capital-G “Giver” very much intentional.
Debbie has carried that spirit into decades of hands-on service, including nearly 10 years on the Little Company of Mary Foundation board and three terms as Celebration chair.
Pat describes the moment of deciding to make their estate gift with unexpected candor. “You can make up a thousand reasons not to give,” he says. “What if I need the money later? This or that.” But once the decision was made, something shifted. “You just kind of sigh a breath of relief and say, ‘This is what I should have done, and this is what I am now doing.'”
He credits his parents for laying the groundwork. “I didn’t always do the right thing as a young man,” he says with a laugh. “But I was always instructed by them to do the right thing. They gave me a social conscience.”
That, too, is a gift worth passing on.
Richard Schmidt
For Richard Schmitt, service has always been at the core of his identity.
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A Man of Service
Whether as an Air Force veteran, a special education teacher or a dedicated volunteer and donor at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, Richard’s life has been a testament to giving back.
Born and raised in Chicago, Richard’s life took him across the globe, from serving in the Air Force to marrying his wife, Pranee, in Thailand. His career in administrative management allowed him to see the world, but it was his return to the U.S. that marked the beginning of his deep commitment to community service. After retiring from the Air Force and completing his education, Richard spent 18 years teaching special education, focusing on helping children with reading and math challenges.
Linda and Jerry Rudd
For Linda and Jerry Rudd, giving back is a natural extension of a life built on love and adventure.
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A Worldly Life, a Local Impart
Married for nearly 50 years, the globetrotting couple shares a passion for travel. “We’ve been from the North Pole to the South Pole,” laughs Linda. “Last year we travelled the equivalent of two and a half times around the world.”
Having explored the wonders of all seven continents, Linda and Jerry have discovered a universal truth: there is truly “no place like home.” For the Rudds, that sense of belonging is rooted in La Habra, a close-knit city they’ve cherished for 26 years. It’s also where they feel a deep connection to their community hospital. “Providence St. Jude means quality care,” says Linda. “They’re always investing in new technology and staying on the leading edge. That matters to us.”
The couple has a profound appreciation for the care they’ve received at Providence St. Jude Medical Center — a gratitude they’ve chosen to express through a planned gift that will benefit future generations. Both Rudds have been patients of orthopedic surgeon Kiarash Khajavi, M.D., whose skill and efficiency have left a lasting impression.
“He’s just an excellent, superior doctor,” says Linda. Jerry, an avid bowler, required surgery for shoulder injuries sustained from years of friendly competition. Thanks to Dr. Khajavi’s exacting approach and support, he was able to return to the sport he loves.
The Rudds decided to include Providence St. Jude in their estate plans to make a lasting difference. “We want to help support medical advancements, such as training, equipment and research,” says Jerry. “If our gift improves care for others, that’s what matters.”
Whether cruising the South Pacific or attending concerts in the park, Linda and Jerry live life fully; with joy, intention and an eye toward giving back. Through their thoughtful generosity, they are ensuring that others in their community will receive the same excellent care they’ve experienced.
Warren Berzack
Warren Berzack aims to inspire a new generation of philanthropists
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Eyes on the Future
Warren Berzack, president of Berzack Investment Property Advisors and national director of Lee & Associates’ Multifamily Advisory Group, is making waves not only in his industry but also in the world of philanthropy. With a deep connection to the San Fernando Valley, where he has lived since 2001, Warren is committed to giving back to the community that has shaped his life and career. As a young, forward-thinking donor, Warren has made a generous planned gift to Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, solidifying his desire to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
Warren’s journey with the medical center began in 2019 when he underwent gallbladder surgery at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center. He was impressed by the care he received, and when the Foundation later presented at his office, it piqued his interest in getting involved philanthropically. “I’ve been given a lot through hard work and being at the right place at the right time. I have the ability to give, so why wouldn’t I?” Warren reflects on his decision to update his estate plans to include the medical center.
As someone who has built his wealth through hard work and success in the real estate industry, Warren remains humble and focused on using his resources to help others. “The vast majority of my wealth will be given away,” Warren shares, explaining his commitment to ensuring his legacy benefits the community that has been such an integral part of his life. His planned gift is particularly aimed at helping those struggling with medical debt, a cause close to his heart. Warren hopes his funds will help alleviate the financial burdens that many face when seeking necessary care.
What makes Warren’s story especially inspiring is his additional desire to motivate others, particularly younger individuals, to consider philanthropy. “If what I’m doing promotes philanthropy in others, especially younger people, that’s part of the impact I want to have,” he says. Warren notes that planned giving is a way to make a tremendous impact on the future without diminishing and rich and fulfilling life. “You can do it and still enjoy your lifestyle,” he adds, emphasizing that philanthropy is within reach for those who are fortunate enough to give.
Warren’s planned gift to Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center is a testament to his belief in the importance of giving back to the place that has given him so much. Through his generosity, Warren hopes to inspire others to make a difference in their own communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change for generations to come.
Carol Rische and Sue MacConnie
Carol Rische and Sue MacConnie’s legacy gift reflects their belief that investing in health care benefits all
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For the Good of the Community
Carol Rische never expected a house fire to shape her understanding of community health care. But that’s exactly what happened when she and her late partner, Sue MacConnie, moved to rural Northern California over 30 years ago. When their home caught fire just months after relocating, the volunteer fire department’s swift response opened Carol’s eyes to the essential role community services play in smaller towns.
“When you live in these small rural areas, you need certain local entities to serve the broader community,” Carol reflects.
That perspective became deeply personal when the couple faced cancer’s devastating impact. Carol’s mother received excellent breast cancer care from Mary Mahoney, M.D., and later, when Sue was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at age 63, they experienced firsthand the quality of care available locally. While they chose Stanford for primary oncology due to specialized expertise, nearly all of Sue’s scans, biopsies, chemotherapy and infusions happened at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.
“The medical assistant staff, the nursing staff and the chemo infusion staff are absolutely angels,” Carol says.
After Sue’s diagnosis, the couple revised their estate plan to include the hospital’s cancer program. Their planned gift reflects a philosophy Carol learned early: “Many people who give a little bit add up to do some good.”
The planned gift represents Carol and Sue’s belief that “giving matters,” and that collective community investment in essential services creates capacity for everyone. Having witnessed the hospital’s fundraising efforts for state-of-the-art radiation equipment for patients throughout the region, she understands how philanthropic support translates into life-saving care.
Carol believes deeply in supporting the community infrastructure that serves everyone. “Health care is one of the most important things in any community,” she says. “We collectively need to support it and make it work.”
Sandy and Tom Ewing
Sandy Ewing and her late husband, Tom, continually demonstrated unwavering support for Providence Mission Hospital since 2006.
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In Gratitude for a Lifetime of Generosity
Just before Tom’s passing, they made a transformational gift to the Heart and Vascular Institute supporting the future hybrid operating room in recognition of the exceptional care he received over the years. Tom’s previous role on the Foundation board of directors additionally highlights their deep connection to the hospital’s mission. Through a gift within their trust, the Ewings ensured their family’s dedication to the health and well-being of the community. Providence Mission Hospital is grateful to Sandy and Tom for their tradition of generosity and compassion, which will impact the hospital for years to come.
Tim Courtney
Inspired by the care he received, Tim Courtney made a generous planned gift to his community hospital, joining a growing group of supporters who are creating lasting impact through gratitude and compassion. Read more about Tim’s story and the impact supporters like you are making every day.
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The Magic of Giving Back
Tim Courtney’s bequest will impact patient care for years to come
Born at Providence St. Joseph Hospital just one month before the opening of Disneyland, Tim Courtney has strong ties to this community and the magic of Disney. His father worked as a custodian at St. Joseph Catholic School in Santa Ana. Tim followed his father’s example and recently retired after 45 years as a Disneyland graveyard shift custodian.
Upon retirement, Tim got busy fixing up his home in Orange. His life took an unexpected turn when he injured himself working on his garage door. After toughing it out on his own for a month, Tim realized he wasn’t improving. A trip to the Emergency Care Center revealed the reason — Tim’s mishap had left him with broken vertebrae in his spine and neck requiring surgery.
Leaving a legacy of generosity
After his surgery and recovery, Tim was inspired by the care he received from the physicians and caregivers who helped restore his health. “I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped me through my healing,” remembers Tim. “Jeremy S. Smith, M.D., and Joshua Phillips, PA-C, always put a smile on my face when I had follow-up appointments. They made me feel like more than just a patient; I felt human.”
Tim made substantial gifts to Providence St. Joseph Hospital. He transferred Disney stock to the Foundation, bypassing capital gains taxes and receiving a significant charitable tax deduction. He established a bequest to the Foundation in his living trust and made the hospital the beneficiary of his retirement accounts — one of the simplest ways to make a legacy gift — demonstrating a strategic and impactful way to give back.
“When I retired, my plan was to fix up the house and sell it, but after my accident and the incredible care I received, I realized I wanted to give back to the community that has been part of my life for so long,” Tim explains.
Christopher Dukes, director of planned giving, assisted Tim with the planned giving process. “Many people don’t realize they can make significant contributions without writing a check,” he shares. “Tim’s use of Disney stock and a bequest vehicle is a prime example of how strategic giving can be highly impactful. We are deeply grateful for Tim’s extraordinary generosity. His legacy at Providence St. Joseph will continue to benefit this community for many years.”
Julian and Gladys Saunders
Julian and Gladys Saunders had a spirit of philanthropy and immense love for those in need. This was evident in the couple’s lifelong commitment to giving back through their estate, providing Providence with a $7 million trust. Through this generous gift, Julian fulfilled his commitment to support the Providence mission of compassionate care and pay back the community that helped them for so many years.
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Giving Back Enriches Lives
As a businessman, Julian Saunders had a knack for success. During his long career he established Saunders Ford in Mission Hills and two thriving self-storage warehouses, earning a comfortable living for his wife, Gladys, and himself. The couple also had love in their hearts for those less fortunate and an overflowing spirit of philanthropy, perhaps instilled by a charitable gift that Julian’s father provided in 1949 — one that earned the gratitude of Mother Teresa.
In fact, throughout their lives the couple always thought of others. Julian became a pilot whose passion for flight led him to join the Flying Samaritans, transporting medical professionals to Mexico to assist those who had no access to health care. Closer to home, Gladys also became known for her charitable deeds and her willingness to help those in need. The die was cast for the couple to support Providence in a significant way.
“I am the eternal optimist,” Julian once said. “It’s important that every individual seek out ways to enrich his cities by creating opportunities that will allow individuals living there to enrich their own lives.”
Julian was born to British parents in Calcutta, India. From there he moved to Australia then onto British Columbia, Canada, in his early twenties. Gladys was born in British Columbia and raised there in a small village, Bella Coola. She and Julian met in B.C., married in Washington state and eventually settled in the North San Fernando Valley in the mid-1950s. There, Julian followed in his father’s footsteps and went to work in the auto industry as a salesman. Twenty years later he was the dealership owner.
As their success grew, the couple began to support Providence through annual giving, and their gifts were often designated for emergency care. That support continued for more than two decades, even after Gladys passed away in 2005 and Julian in 2011.
Through his estate, Julian endowed Providence with a $7 million trust that is funded through commercial real estate in Mission Hills plus municipal and corporate bonds. This is a planned giving arrangement that enabled him to provide for his surviving spouse and support Providence with a tax-free distribution over time. His generosity will strengthen Providence long into the future, fulfilling a commitment to support the Providence mission of compassionate care while paying back the community that helped the couple achieve success for so many years.
“This is one of those gifts that doesn’t happen all the time,” said Al Ghirardelli, Julian’s longtime estate attorney. “All of Julian’s objectives were achieved and he still had assets remaining to give to charity.”
“It’s important that every individual seek out ways to enrich his cities by creating opportunities that will allow individuals living there to enrich their own lives.”
-Julian Saunders, Providence Donor
The Leahy sisters
The Leahy sisters, Sharon Leahy, Peggy Starr and Mickey Payne, share an unbreakable bond of family love and devotion. They have a long history with Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and were inspired by their parents to give back. Proud of the hospital’s high ratings, they are excited about the updated and expanded emergency room for better patient privacy and care.
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The Leahy sisters, Sharon Leahy, Peggy Starr and Mickey Payne, share an unbreakable bond of family love and devotion.
“We help each other out,” says Peggy. “We were raised to take care of family and friends. I’m so glad we live close enough that when something goes wrong, we are right there for each other.”
Called to a caring profession
Their mother was a retired nurse, and both parents valued education and encouraged their daughters to pursue degrees. Equal parts caregivers and leaders, the sisters each enjoyed distinguished nursing careers.
Sharon spent most of her career in the Health Department where she held a variety of positions including staff, supervisor and management. She was the nursing administrator for the Department of Children and Family Services.
Peggy, who says she always knew she wanted to be a nurse like their mother, began her career on the medical floor at UCLA. After two years, she joined LA County as a public health nurse out of the Van Nuys Health Center. She was selected for an advancement opportunity and became a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Like Peggy, Mickey worked on the medical ward at UCLA. From there, she became a public health nurse in Pacoima and acted as a program liaison. She served in the data collection and analysis unit before becoming the assistant program specialist and then the nurse manager for the sexually transmitted disease program.
An affinity for Providence Saint Joseph
For the Leahys, philanthropy was ingrained in the family culture. The sisters remember their parents setting an example of giving back by supporting organizations they cared about. “It was instilled in us,” says Sharon.
After his parents died when he was a child, their father and his brothers spent time in an orphanage run by the Sisters of Providence. “It was the Sisters of Providence who started the hospital,” says Mickey. “I remember one of my uncles going over to visit the order later in life. So, our family has this interesting connection to the hospital.”
When it came to doing their estate planning, the sisters were unanimous in their decision to leave an estate gift to Providence Saint Joseph. “We feel it’s really important to have a good hospital here in this community,” says Mickey. “Not just for us, but so everyone around here can get good quality care, today and tomorrow.”
Their long affiliation with Providence gives them a sense of pride for the hospital they count on for care. “We’ve been involved in the medical profession all of our lives so this is important to us,” says Peggy. “Plus, it’s our hospital. Our mother passed away here, and our uncle, many in our family have been treated here. We have a long history with Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.”
“We’re excited about the updated and expanded emergency room,” says Sharon. “The way it’s going to be set up, the patients have a lot more privacy and, at the same time, the nurses have a line of sight that allows them to see all their patients at once.”
The sisters are proud that Providence Saint Joseph is highly rated. “It’s good to know that it’s ranked very well,” smiles Mickey. “It’s worth giving your support to a hospital that gets good grades!”
“We feel it’s really important to have a good hospital here in this community. Not just for us, but so everyone around here can get good quality care, today and tomorrow.”
-Mickey Payne, Providence Donor
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