March 22, 2022

Long-Time St. Joe’s Employee Leaves a Legacy Gift for the Mental Health & Addiction Program

For 23 years, Maureen Weatherston was a warm and welcoming face in the hallways of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, working in several roles before finishing out her career supporting Winnie Doyle as her executive assistant.

Initially, Maureen worked just two days per week, yet right away she decided to make a monthly donation to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. Over the years, Maureen also attended events and fundraisers for the Hospital, and more recently, upon her retirement, she decided to make a planned gift to support St. Joe’s in her Will.

After her passing, a portion of Maureen’s estate has been designated to support the Mental Health and Addiction Program at St. Joseph’s West 5^th Campus.  Her gift was inspired by the time Maureen spent working at the West 5^th Campus supporting Winnie in her role as Vice-President of the Mental Health and Addictions Program.

“I learned so much from Winnie, from working at the West 5^th Campus and within the Mental Health and Addictions Program,” says Maureen.  “In society, there is a strange belief that people living with mental illness somehow chose that path…but it’s not the case.  People who think this simply don’t understand, and they are deeply mistaken. I remember Winnie reminding me some days that the clients we serve don’t always have a lot…even basic personal items that we take for granted every day. It was eye-opening and a reminder to me to do what I could to help those St. Joe’s is honoured to serve,” she explains.

After nearly a quarter-century working at St. Joe’s, Maureen has been around long enough to see that gifts of all sizes and types can truly make a difference in the lives of patients at the Hospital. She hopes sharing her story and her legacy gift may inspire others to consider how their Will can be a powerful tool for giving, while also allowing people to have the financial freedom and security they need during retirement.

To learn more and how to leave a legacy gift through your Will, click here.