Colorado cancer center celebrates a life and legacy of kindness

Mary Jane Voelker lived in Pueblo, Colorado, for less than two decades, but in the short time that she called it home she made an indelible mark on the community.

The Battle Creek, Michigan, native was known to tout the friendliness and “family feel” of Pueblo and she quickly became involved in many aspects of her new home including public service and philanthropy related to her church, the local historical society and community college.

One of the primary beneficiaries of her interest and generosity was the CommonSpirit Health® St. Mary-Corwin Hospital Dorcy Cancer Center. Guests of the much-loved annual “Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer” fundraising event fondly remember Mary Jane’s commitment to “match the paddle” — meaning that she would make a gift to match the total of what event guests contributed during the call for donations — often resulting in tens of thousands of dollars raised annually.

“Mary Jane’s legacy of generosity and kindness continues to have a powerful impact for those battling cancer in our community and the surrounding Southern Colorado area, today and for generations to come. She inspired countless others to give generously.”

These funds were directed to the Dorcy Cancer Center Patient Needs Fund. Through this fund more than $1 million is disbursed each year in support of Dorcy Cancer Center patients and families helping cover the costs of advanced treatments, prescriptions, travel and lodging. The goal of this type of direct support is to make it possible for patients to focus exclusively on healing, from discovery of the disease to survivorship.

Mary Jane cared deeply about building access to world-class cancer care in the Pueblo community. Before her death in 2021, at the age of 76, Mary Jane established the Mary Jane Voelker Family Trust with the St. Mary-Corwin Hospital Foundation, which left behind a transformational gift of $8 million in support of the cancer center programs and services.

“Mary Jane Voelker chose to set up a financial future that would make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Mike Cafasso, hospital CEO. “St. Mary-Corwin Hospital Foundation, our hospital leadership, and our community are grateful for her generosity and kindness.”

Those who knew her say that Mary Jane cared deeply about building access to comprehensive cancer care and was devoted to raising awareness and support for the Dorcy Cancer Center.

“Mary Jane’s legacy of generosity and kindness continues to have a powerful impact for those battling cancer in our community and the surrounding Southern Colorado area, today and for generations to come,” said Seb Girard, interim Vice President of Philanthropy. “She inspired countless others to give generously.”

In 2023, to honor this special friend of the hospital, St. Mary-Corwin Hospital Foundation unveiled and blessed a statue built in her memory.

Created by local artist Rick Willits, the commemorative statue’s design was inspired by the life of St. Peregrine — the patron saint for those suffering from cancer. The statue was placed in the Mary Jane Voelker Living Legacy Courtyard, welcoming cancer center patients, families and community members to visit, rest and reflect. The courtyard is also visible for those patients receiving their treatments in the infusion center on the campus at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital.

Friends of the hospital said that Mary Jane is deeply missed, and that she created a legacy of care that will be felt by many families well into the future.

“Mary Jane’s generosity, love and support will have a lasting impact on our hospital’s commitment to providing accessible, world-class cancer care to patients in need,” said Girard.