Extraordinary Volunteer Leaves Lasting Legacy

Adapted from story by Colleen Farrell, Spring 2013

For many years, Auxiliary member Jean Gillan walked the halls of Torrance Memorial's medical/surgical unit visiting patients and sharing stories with nurses and staff speaking in her thick Scottish brogue. Health issues ended her volunteering, but her big heart and no nonsense manner are readily recalled by staff members such as Lourdes Antonio, R.N.

"I can still remember her walking from patient room to patient room carrying her clipboard," Antonio said. "She was always very orderly and her hair always neatly done. She took her role very seriously and paid close attention to detail, but was also very kind, passionate and motherly."

She continued, "She would take time to thank the nurses and bring us cookies. She was very thoughtful."

Dorothy and Joe Thompson were Gillan's personal friends and also fellow Auxiliary members. Joe worked closely with Gillan in her role as a patient representative, which required visiting patients and communicating their needs to staff. The Thompsons, as was Gillan, are long-time residents of Palos Verdes Estates and recall her "conservative," yet "spirited" demeanor.

"I will always remember her driving around in her snazzy red Cadillac with white wall tires," Dorothy said with a chuckle. "When we would go to lunch, all the waiters knew her."

Mary Matson, director of Volunteer Services at Torrance Memorial, recalls Gillan as "classy in every way." She continued, "An interesting thing about Jean is that she never wore the usual white uniform pants while volunteering. She always wore a long white skirt."

Gillan went on medical leave in 2008 and was not able to return. She passed away in 2011. Since she often spoke about her love for Torrance Memorial, it came as no surprise to those who knew her to learn she had designated a gift to the medical center in her trust.

Her bequest is included in the $1 million multi-year pledge made by the Torrance Memorial Auxiliary to name the Lundquist Tower Auxiliary Healing Garden. Her foresight demonstrates the significant impact bequests can have on the medical center, creating lasting legacies that will benefit our community for generations to come.