Ann Carley is grateful for so much: her devoted children and grandchildren,
58 happy years with late husband, Jim, her community and the revamped
rose garden at South Coast Botanic Garden, which she has nurtured.
She is also very grateful for her health, for which she largely credits
the staff at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
On the day of this interview, overlooking a sea of backyard rosebushes
and a breeze-rippled swimming pool, just waiting to welcome summer, she’s
reflecting on her decades-long affiliation with the hospital—which
started long before she needed care there.
“I got involved about 30 years ago as a volunteer,” she says.
“I helped with behind- the-scenes activities during Christmas parties,
and years ago I worked on the Torrance Memorial annual tennis tournament.
“After all these years, I have only praise for the staff and the
excellent care the hospital provides. And I should know.”
Carley should know because she was a patient there three times last year
due to heart issues and has had three open-heart surgeries.
“Being in the hospital isn’t at the top of anyone’s list
of things they want to do,” she says, “but if you have to
be there, it’s wonderful to have people caring for you who really
care about what they’re doing. I can’t say enough good things
about them.” During one hospital stay last summer, Carley woke every
morning at 7 to see the comforting, doting face of her oldest son, as
well as cardiologist Mark Lurie. “Dr. Lurie is a wonderful doctor.
He listens, is very attentive and does everything he can to get his patients
well. I feel very good in his capable hands.”
To show her support and gratitude to the hospital, Carley has been a longtime donor.
“I’m fortunate and privileged to be able to contribute. The
hospital does an incredible service to the community, and we’re
lucky it’s here and available to us.”
When Carley was growing up, her parents did much to help their small Indiana
community thrive. That lesson stayed with her when she and Jim made their
home in Rolling Hills in the 1960s. “I feel strongly that if you’re
able to do things in your community—and most everyone can do something—you
should. It impacts future generations.”
Her involvement in the South Coast Botanic Garden also fits that bill.
Doing her part to improve it is a years-long passion.
“I wanted a place for people to be able to walk and be happy, or
walk and be sad. A place to hold big events and small ones. Joyous celebrations
like weddings, or remembrances like memorial services.”
Spending time with her six grandchildren is another passion, in addition
to a love of travel and her involvement in community affairs.
These activities keep her body and mind active and since the loss of her
husband nearly a year ago, she finds it more important than ever to stay
busy. And to stay healthy, she adds, saying, “Hallelujah! I’ve
managed to stay out of the hospital this year!” However Carley remains
committed to Torrance Memorial. “I hope my support will help keep
the hospital at the level of excellence it is now. It’s a special
community asset. My husband and I were fortunate to be able to give in
this way, and I encourage others to give in their own way. It makes our
community stronger.”
To donate to Torrance Memorial’s Foundation, please call 310-517-4708
or go to Torrancememorial.org/Giving.
To support the South Coast Botanic Garden, visit southcoastbotanicgarden.org.