Published: The Chester County Hospital Foundation Donor Report FY2016
Ann and Alan Clark were married 65 years and 65 days, ‘til death parted them, taking Alan on January 2, 2016. Ann recalls the first day she saw Alan in Driver's Ed class at Haverford High School, "He was so charming; he caught my eye immediately." The Clarks moved to West Chester, PA in 1957 when Alan joined Prudential Insurance Company, where he excelled for 35 years. While working and raising their family, both Alan and Ann were very active in their church and volunteered with dozens of community organizations, including Chester County Hospital. Ann was a patient escort for 10 years. She took a break from volunteering to earn her degree from Immaculata University and teach home economics for 18 years. Upon her retirement, Ann returned to her role as patient escort for another 13 years.
When Alan wasn’t watching a Phillies game, playing softball, or leading a men’s prayer group, he was active with the Men of Chester County Hospital and volunteered on the executive committee of the Chester County Hospital May Festival. Alan was fond of saying, "Life is not a rehearsal; this is it." When he retired, Ann urged him to volunteer at the Hospital, and he enjoyed his time in the Emergency Department (ED), making up beds, giving patients a coffee, a blanket, or a good laugh. Ann says, "Everyone in the ED appreciated his company and sense of humor."
After his passing, the nursing department remembered Alan and paid tribute to his years of service, naming him recipient of the GEM Award in Spring 2016, given to those who go the extra mile to improve patient care.
"The hospital is wonderful. We were totally involved, and it was always a great experience. The people and the volunteers were amazing. When I needed medical care, those experiences were excellent, also. Chester County Hospital Foundation was an obvious choice for a bequest," says Ann. "Being in the Auxiliary Board meetings as President of the West Chester Evening Auxiliary for four years, I knew the finances were managed prudently."
The Clark’s gift through their will helps complement their legacy of service and support for Chester County Hospital -- ensuring that the hospital is ready to meet the needs of the community for future generations.
With her active volunteering days at the hospital behind her, Ann volunteers at Willistown United Methodist Church and spends time with her six children, twenty-two grandchildren, and soon-to-be seven great grandchildren, saying, "All but one of our children chose to stay and raise their families in West Chester, PA -- this is truly a special community."
Thanks to the loyalty and generosity of volunteers and donors who have remembered Chester County Hospital in their estate plans, like Ann and Alan, the hospital stands ready to serve the next generation of their family and the Chester County, PA community.
"Alan was a true gentleman and we were fortunate to have known and worked with him. Chester County Hospital and the community-at-large are better because he cared. He will most certainly be missed." -- Linda Detwiler, BSN, RN; Emergency Department.