Acts of kindness take shape in numerous ways. From opening a door, to extending a listening ear, to volunteering time and to making monetary donations, kindness is a powerful force that can transform lives and create waves of positive change.
Kindness is something that Marilyn Rothschild knew quite well.
Over the course of her remarkable 10 decades, Marilyn — a Racine native — demonstrated kindness in countless ways. Her legacy of generosity will continue to make an impact in the Racine community for future generations, as she entrusted great generosity to Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, making it possible for individuals to receive the care they deserve.
Marilyn’s generous gift will support the Marilyn Rothschild Memorial Fund at Ascension All Saints, a hospital that she carried much passion and love for. The Marilyn Rothschild Memorial Fund supports associate education at All Saints and helps fund medical equipment for diagnosing and treating heart disease, cancer and gastroenterological disorders.
“Marilyn had a great love for All Saints,” Barbara West, Marilyn’s niece, shared. “Any time she went to the hospital, she felt safe and secure and she knew she’d be taken care of. She was reassured that when she went home she’d be ok, and if she wasn’t feeling well then they were always there for her.”
Marilyn’s generosity to Ascension All Saints began nearly three decades ago, and has made incredible things possible for thousands of patients. Her kindness made it possible to build the creation of a rehabilitation kitchen at All Saints’ Lakeshore Manor, purchase two high-definition colonoscopes, fund a new crash cart defibrillator, provide bedside warmers for newborns and much, much more.
Along with incredible philanthropic gestures, Marilyn accomplished great things in her 100 years of life. She was an active member of the Plymouth Congregational Church and volunteered her time with the Women’s Club of Racine, Friends of the Library, the Racine Art Museum, Preservation Racine and the Racine Heritage Museum. In 2006, Marilyn was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the former Wheaton-Franciscan Healthcare’s All Saints Foundation.
In 2016, Marilyn shared “I suppose [my generosity] will all go on for a long time, and that makes me feel good.”
Marilyn’s words were not just a reflection of her generous spirit, but a testament to the incredible, lasting impact of her kindness. Her legacy — just one of many incredible acts of her kind, giving spirit — will make personalized, compassionate care possible for tens of thousands of patients who seek care at Ascension All Saints for years to come.