Bequest to Benefit the Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital and Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut

Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) has announced it has received a gift for $158,000 from the estate of Theodore ‘Ted’ and Virginia ‘Ginny’ Gellert of Abington, Connecticut. The gift will support the community hospital and health system’s programs, and was bequeathed to the Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital, and to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. 

“It was well over forty years ago when Ted and Ginny indicated their desire to make a planned gift that would benefit DKH and its programs,” explains Kristen Willis, director of development, Day Kimball Healthcare. “As consistent annual donors, they wanted to create a legacy to support programs they felt focused on the health and welfare of their family, friends, and neighbors. Funds were set aside in the 1980’s and invested into stocks that would ultimately realize over $158,000 bequeathed to both the Woman’s Board and DKH’s hospice program, Hospice and Palliative Care of NECT.”

Shortly after their marriage in 1960, the Gellerts moved to Abington and became actively engaged in the community. Ginny was a teacher at Eastford and Scotland Elementary Schools, and later became principal in Eastford until her retirement. She was active in her church, and was a member of the Day Kimball Hospital Woman’s Board for over 30 years until her death in 2005.

Ted was both a WWII and Korean War Navy Veteran, and served as a Seabee Naval Reservist. He worked as a lineman for SNET for 31 years, and was an active member of many organizations including the VFW, American Legion, and Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Association. Ted passed away in 2017 at age 90. 

Just before Ginny’s passing, the Gellerts updated their estate plans to include the Woman’s Board of DKH, which Ginny valued highly, and DKH’s hospice program, which was an important part of her end-of-life care.

“Having had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Ginny and Ted, I know that they would be modestly humbled by any recognition of their generosity and this wonderful gift to Day Kimball,” Willis added. “The impact of their thoughtful planning reaches far beyond our hospital, benefiting the entire community of Northeast CT. It is a fitting tribute to two people with a life-long and lasting legacy of caring, and to whom we’re eternally grateful.”  

“Day Kimball is such a special place, and what makes it even more special is the ongoing support of our generous community,” said Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer. “We are privileged to be the stewards of health in our community, taking care of our friends, neighbors, and families across the region. Through their planned gift, the Gellert’s have recognized the good work we have done in Northeast Connecticut over the decades, and we are truly grateful to Ted and Ginny and their choice in honoring us as part of their legacy.”

Planned and estate gifts through bequests and trusts are ways that support fund development at DKH. To learn more about these and other ways to support Day Kimball Healthcare, please visit daykimball.org/giving. 

Photo Caption: Virginia ‘Ginny’ Gellert pictured seated at a traditional DKH Woman’s Board Silver Tea in 1976.