When a loved one passes there are many ways to honor their life and legacy through philanthropy. In the wake of Elaine Penny’s passing in 2011, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre set up a memorial scholarship fund to recognize her lifelong work as a nurse and her commitment to nursing education.
A Registered Nurse in BC Women’s Acute Birthing Program for 16 years, Elaine was an exemplary surgical and labour and delivery nurse. She continually went above and beyond the call of duty to help women and their families have positive birth experiences.
Elaine’s generosity of spirit, compassion, strength, and dedication to her work made her a welcome staff member among her BC Women’s colleagues. Her family remembers her passion for helping new nursing students and her encouragement for others to become nurses.
Tragically, in 2011, Elaine was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor and died 6 months later at the age of 43. Her spirit lives on through the Elaine Penny Memorial Scholarship, which honors Elaine’s commitment to the nursing profession, her dedication to continuous learning, and her passion for women’s health.
The Elaine Penny Memorial Scholarship supports enhanced education and professional development for BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre nursing employees. The annual scholarship assists nurses in broadening their knowledge, skills, and training in women’s health care, including peri-operative and perinatal nursing practice.
Nurse Melanie Basso best describes the impact of the Elaine Penny Memorial scholarship: “Elaine’s belief in the importance of continuous education and professional growth has made a significant impact on the care I provide to patients. I am truly grateful for the support of this scholarship, which has further ignited my commitment to perinatal nursing and inspired me to continue striving for excellence in this field.”
Setting a memorial fund for a loved one or yourself is a unique philanthropic opportunity that can reflect your interests and values and leaves a legacy for future generations. Our team can work with you to find the right opportunity for you.
With your memorial or legacy gift, physicians and healthcare staff at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre will have access to new research and technology. It will ensure patients will continue to receive the highest quality healthcare. It will help secure BC Women’s Hospital as the centre of medical excellence for maternal and infant care and women’s health research.
If you have questions about legacy giving, please reach out to Lisa Shearer by email at lisa.shearer@bcwomensfoundation.org or by calling 604-375-1224.
