Love, Hope, and a Life Remembered Through Giving

Marg Colley's life changed in countless ways following the passing of her husband, Bruce, in 2018 at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home after a brave battle with Parkinson's disease. The long-time Caterpillar employee channeled her zest for life and focused on establishing several meaningful memorials in her late husband's name.

Their story began in 1970, when they met at Caterpillar. Marg worked in the parts department, and Bruce was a parts sales representative. She recalls telling her co-worker that after meeting Bruce for the first time, she was going to marry him. They met in January, and by July, they were married and off to California. They also lived in Denver and Hong Kong, but her Midwestern roots and family pulled them back to central Illinois.

"Most people who grew up with me would not say that I had a giving spirit," the Washington native said, "but they might say I am high-spirited. I don't know what got into me, but after Bruce died, I wanted to honor him at Lutheran Hillside Village because he loved Hillside Village enough for both of us to be there. I miss him. I just want to do meaningful things in Bruce's memory."

One of the first steps Marg took was to fund an endowment for OSF Rehab Services for vocal and singing therapy for people with Parkinson's. "The Loud Crowd" is a maintenance program focused on providing ongoing vocal practice to help and maintain vocal strength. Although her husband of 48 years was going into hospice at the time, she understood the impact of the group's speech therapy program and the encouragement and support the group offered. It is important for her to do for others who are also fighting Parkinson's.

"I realized I can do something worthwhile now to honor my husband," she said. "I think he would be pleased that I continue to support and encourage people with Parkinson's disease."

After naming the Bruce and Marg Colley Juice Bar at Hillside Village's new Wellness Center, she next made a gift honoring Bruce at Rock Steady Boxing, a local facility where Bruce went to keep moving and managing his Parkinson's with people who understood the disease. In addition, since they both enjoyed the game of golf, she also provided Hillside Village's marketing department with a four-seat golf cart, appropriately named the Colley Trolley, to be used for tours with prospective new residents.

Supporting OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home

Ultimately, one of Marg's most meaningful gifts was to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home . She was compelled to do something worthwhile in his memory since Bruce had spent the final three days of his life there with compassionate care that was extended to her, as well.

"When I walked into the home, I had no idea what to expect from this hospice experience. I was in such a state ... I was so impressed with the care," Marg said. "Who pays for all of this? Who are these wonderful people? Who thinks of all these special touches?" She added, "In 2023, I was asked to speak at the home's 10th anniversary celebration. I am not at all a public speaker; however, I spoke in memory of Bruce and in appreciation of all they do. Their work is inspiring."

Marg initially helped to fund 16 new patient beds at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home. While reflecting on her first gift of many, she said, "A friend of mine once said, 'Hospice care is like being surrounded by angels.' This is absolutely true. I was not called to that vocation, but I can certainly support the Richard Owens Hospice Home financially to show my gratitude."

Ongoing gifts grow with the new OSF Cancer Institute

Marg was both touched and overwhelmed after her recent tour of the new OSF Cancer Institute, reflecting on how far the central Illinois medical community has progressed during her 82 years. "I thought Mayo Clinic was amazing when we went there," Marg said, "but the Institute is so impressive. When people realize that we have the proton beam here, it will make all the difference."

Following the tour, she was motivated to support families battling cancer and recalled her own family's journey when she contracted polio as an infant. When Marg was only 6 years old, her parents took her to Shriners Hospital in Oak Park where she stayed for a month. Her parents were allowed to visit her only on Sundays. She returned at 10 and 14 years of age for two to three months for surgeries and recovery.

"This was the 1940s," the youngest of three said, "when Shriners Hospital was experimenting with children with polio. I was a kid. What did I know? As I look back, I wish I had paid more attention to my mom's stories as I cannot envision what they went through, especially when I spent Christmas in the hospital one year. Again, I wasn't that grateful until I was old enough to realize all they did for me.

Marg found the concept of the OSF Cancer Institute's Nurse Navigation program to be most sensible and inspiring . "It is such a smart and logical move to individually assist people through the system and to establish personal relationships with the family," she said. "I look at Sister Judith Ann and the Sisters and wonder what motivates them every day to do all they do for so many. I cannot imagine, but I can financially support them now while I am living and for years to come through my estate. Feisty Marg can leave a legacy."