Donor Stories

It is my privilege to share the story of my Aunt; Alice “Marie” Richard. I am just one of her many family members. I write this on behalf of her Beloved husband Paul Richard who pre-deceased her in 1992 and the entire Passmore-Richard families.

Marie Richard was born in Binbrook on January 8, 1929. She held the esteemed position of being the 14^th child out of 21 Passmore children born to the late Edgar Passmore and the first child born to the late Belinda Ecker Passmore Terry. With 7 younger siblings, Aunt Marie became known as “a protector.” An early attribute that carried her well into her life of service through Nursing.

Aunt Marie graduated in Nursing from the Salvation Army Grace Hospital on May 3, 1951. She was employed at HWMH for a period before relocating to Oshawa, Ontario. She would be employed at Oshawa and Whitby General Hospitals respectively until her retirement in January of 1994.

Returning to Dunnville in 2005, she always enjoyed attending St. Paul’s Anglican Church. She was a loyal and faithful servant, supporting many outreach programs at the church. She enjoyed travelling to sunny destinations in addition to the UK and Europe. She loved her daily walks and did a lot of running in her younger years. In 2018 she became a resident of Portal Village in Port Colborne, Ontario. She loved talking about her many adventures there – especially participating in Zumba classes!

Healthcare continued to be a lifelong passion for Aunt Marie and she actively donated to local hospitals and charities for research and vital equipment as needed. In 2019, she was delighted to attend the ceremony for the Dunnville Hospital’s opening of the new emergency department.

It is my hope that in sharing glimpses into my Aunt’s life of philanthropy and service, that it will inspire others to give generously by any means they can – whether it be through monetary donations or by giving of their time.  Further, I hope to provide a face to her name that adorns many plaques of recognition placed throughout the halls of HWMH.

When I spoke with Aunt Marie about her philanthropic efforts, she would always give me a twinkle -eyed smile and simply say “Many people will benefit.”

Upon her death on October 28, 2020, Aunt Marie had donated well over 1 million dollars to various charities.

Written by: Melissa Thompson-Schultz