Frankels leave legacy gift in honor of care

Marlene and Jay Frankel found their medical home in Swedish Covenant Hospital. They greatly appreciated the kind nursing care they received and the expertise and responsiveness of physicians, according to Jacqueline Strzalka, unit manager of 4N. The Frankels are members of the Heritage Society at Swedish Covenant Hospital, a group of loyal donors who name the hospital as a beneficiary in their estate plans. When Marlene passed away earlier this year, she left the hospital a generous gift.

Jay transferred his care to Swedish Covenant Hospital in the early 2000s, and his experience at Swedish Covenant Hospital, specifically the cardiac rehabilitation program, helped him to more proactively manage his heart issues. Marlene was also a member of Galter LifeCenter and continued to use the fitness center after Jay’s passing in 2012. Jackie had the opportunity to build a relationship with the Frankels through caring for them over the years.

Jackie remembers their kindness and their gratitude for the care they received at Swedish Covenant Hospital. She recalls that they would call and send a birthday card to Jay’s cardiologist each year because they were so appreciative of his care.

“Their generosity continues their legacy of what was their life,” Jackie said. “This estate gift epitomizes the Frankels in that they are always thinking of others.”

Jay was a WWII Merchant Marine and Army veteran, and a freelance window trimmer. Jay passed away in 2012 at the age of 85 as a result of chronic health issues.

Marlene had a long career as a physical education teacher for Chicago Public Schools and enjoyed cycling, skiing, hiking and traveling the world. She passed away in early 2018 at the age of 85.

To learn more about planned giving at Swedish Covenant Hospital, click here, or contact the Foundation at (773) 293-5121 or foundation@swedishcovenant.org.