Mr. John M. Wolff first became associated with Bethesda in the early fifties. He served as President of the Bethesda Hospital Board, Chairman of the Building Fund, and personally donated to expand the Dilworth Campus to serve more seniors. He was an incredible man whose great business acumen and compassion for seniors is woven into the very fabric of Bethesda. Seventy years later, the John M. Wolff Foundation continues to generously support Bethesda, especially our Humanitarian Care program which provides financial aid to low-income Bethesda residents so that they can remain living in their Bethesda home.

During the 2024 Norwood dinner, the John M. Wolff Foundation was represented by Theresa Wolff, a Foundation Trustee.

Beginning her Bethesda career in 1999, Ruthann has spent countless hours after her shift visiting with rehab patients to help ease their stress, doing laundry for residents who like it done a “special way,” providing a helping hand to busy staff by bringing dinner trays to residents, and so much more. Her continued selfless acts of kindness make a big difference in the daily lives of our residents.

Additionally, Ruthann made an extraordinary commitment years ago to ensure that Bethesda Terrace residents always have Saturday Mass services on site at Bethesda Terrace.

In 2014 Teresa became a volunteer for Bethesda’s No One Dies Alone (NODA) program.

As a NODA volunteer, she sits vigil for Bethesda seniors who are within days of passing.  She provides respite breaks for family members or sits with hospice patients who have no family to comfort them in their final hours.  Teresa is a calming presence, offering prayers and peace during a time of great pain and sadness.

Tom served on the Bethesda Board of Directors from 2004-2012 and as the Chairman from 2010-2012. He also served as Board Treasurer, and participated in and led several Bethesda Board committees. During his tenure, Bethesda began dialogue with BJC to collaborate in providing management services for two of BJC’s skilled nursing facilities. The management agreement expanded over time to managing all four SNF campuses.

Tom currently is an active member of the Bethesda Advisory Board and a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Dick was another of the many who have committed not just years but decades to supporting Bethesda and the communities we serve. Dick began serving on the Board of Directors in 2002 and served for almost 20 years on the Board.

His connections in the Kirkwood area proved instrumental over the years as Bethesda pursued and completed expansions at Bethesda Gardens, Bethesda Dilworth, The Oaks, and in April of 2017 Bethesda Hawthorne Place, our first free-standing assisted living community.

Dick served as an Executive Committee member and Secretary of the Board, and over time also served on the Board’s Audit Committee, Compliance Committee, Government Relations Committee, Human Resources Committee, Marketing Committee, Nominating Committee, and Technology Committee.

Dianne embodies the characteristics of what a volunteer at a skilled nursing community should be. A proponent for resident rights in long-term care, Dianne has been providing kindness and compassion, and has become personal friends with many residents, staff and fellow volunteers at Bethesda Meadow since she started volunteering there in 2013.

Like most volunteers, Dianne is happy to help wherever she can. But it’s no secret that she prefers the company of her residents, whether that be gathering and transporting them to activities or the beauty shop at Bethesda Meadow; accompanying them on their bus trip outings; or visiting with them and their families when they stop by the “Sometimes Shoppe” to purchase items and gifts for loved ones and friends.

Fred served on the Bethesda Board of Directors for almost 20 years and is a current member of the Bethesda Advisory Board.

Fred was instrumental in formalizing what is now the Bethesda Health Group Foundation, and worked diligently to assist Bethesda in creating a fund-raising environment that tells the Bethesda story to prospective donors. He also helped establish Bethesda’s Legacy Society to encourage individuals and corporations to give annually at certain giving levels.

In his many years on the Board, Fred served on the Development Committee, the Audit Committee, the Finance Committee, the Government Relations Committee, the Human Resources Committee and the Marketing Committee. And for 10 years, Fred diligently served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Fred is a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Barb served as the Bethesda Women’s Board President from 2011 through 2018.  During her tenure, she organized its Executive Board to consist of three chief positions: President, Membership Chair, and Treasurer. With her leadership, Bethesda Women’s Board membership doubled to more than 50 members. Barb encouraged membership to fund significant donations for Bethesda’s senior living and long-term care communities, including the purchase of pianos, medical and fitness equipment, outdoor furniture, and so much more. Today, Barb is an active member of the Bethesda Women’s Board. She and her husband, George, are members of the Elizabeth Hayne and Heritage Societies.

When Judy retired as a violin teacher, she devoted herself to making a difference in the lives of Bethesda seniors. For nearly 12 years, at Bethesda Meadow, she played the piano at breakfast on the third and fourth floors every Thursday. For residents unable to leave their rooms she would bring her beautiful music to them.

As a volunteer, Judy quickly learned there are many ways to connect with seniors — reading, music, recounting life stories, or simply holding a hand and letting them know they are not alone and that someone cares. “I believe that we all have gifts to share and a purpose in life larger than ourselves,” says Judy.

Al Poelker began his career with Bethesda in 1986 in a Marketing position responsible for selling Bethesda’s “Shared Services” to local long-term care providers.

In 1987, Al began a 2+ year apprenticeship in Nursing Home Administration at Bethesda Dilworth.  In 1989 when Bethesda West (now named Bethesda Meadow) opened, Al became the Administrator welcoming the first residents.

As Bethesda expanded, Al’s level of responsibility expanded as well. He was the General Manager of Bethesda Gardens retirement community, Vice President of Residential Care, Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President, Long-Term Care, Oversight for two community-based services – St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health and Bethesda Hospice Care, and he completed his career at Bethesda as Senior Vice President, Strategic Development, and retired in 2014.

Al’s tenure at Bethesda was successful because he truly loved and cared about all of Bethesda’s residents and patients.

After retirement, Bob and Charlene started volunteering at Bethesda Dilworth in 2010.

Charlene served as the Vice President of the Bethesda Dilworth Auxiliary after serving as the President for a two-year term. She volunteered most Tuesdays in the boutique.

Charlene also served as Chief Librarian for Bethesda Dilworth. She was responsible for setting up the community’s very first library on the Ground floor near the Therapy department.

Bob was part of the Ding-a-Lings, an active, fun, energetic group of singers who wear yellow vests and entertain residents during lunch on Thursdays.

Bob also operated the Bethesda Dilworth Hydration Cart, where he got to know residents one-on-one and developed strong connections.

In 2013, Harris founded Bethesda’s Computer Comfort program to help Bethesda’s residents “conquer the computer” in today’s ever-changing world of technology. Through the program, Washington University students were paired with our residents to teach them how to use today’s technology devices and gadgets.

More than 200 seniors participated in the program being paired with college students during 90-minute sessions offered four to six times each semester. Each class offered seniors time to explore topics of interest to them — from how to Skype and manage photos to where to find a translation from a handwritten family letter or genealogy research.

In 2009, Jeanette became a volunteer at Bethesda Southgate. Understanding the need for volunteerism, she helped create the Bethesda Southgate Auxiliary Organization to formalize a consistent and regular volunteer program to benefit Southgate residents.

As a volunteer, Jeanette spent time with residents, listening to their stories, doing arts & crafts, decorating their rooms, or taking them outside to enjoy the sunshine. On Thursdays, she hosted Bunco.

Jeannette also became a Southgate Hospice volunteer to comfort and support residents who are on the end of life’s journey.

David served on the Bethesda Board of Directors for 20 years, including one term as Board Chairman and two terms as Board Treasurer.

He spent 18 years on the Finance Committee and has served on several committees including Technology and Human Resources, Building and Grounds and Strategic Planning in 2005 and 2010.

David currently is a member of the Bethesda Advisory Board and a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Maud spent 12 years volunteering at Bethesda Dilworth on a weekly basis. She helped with the Clothes Closet and the Bethesda Boutique. Maud was also an active member of the Ding-A-Lings.  Most of all, she spent time with residents, made them laugh, brought them joy, and lifted their spirits. She is currently an active member of the Bethesda Women’s Board.

For nearly 45 years, Pat Kapsar, RN, enjoyed a career that has taken her from the bedside to the board room, and has included testifying on senior health issues at the Missouri Capitol and educating legislators on the financial burden on skilled nursing facilities as a result of Medicaid underfunding.

Pat has served Bethesda in positions ranging from Director of Nursing at the now-closed Bethesda General Hospital to her final position as the organization’s Senior Vice President and Corporate Compliance Officer. She remains a member of the Advisory and Bethesda Women’s Board. Pat is a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Cathy Reiss was a member of the Bethesda Advisory Board and a driving force behind the establishment of the Missouri Senior Information Consultant program.

The program links seniors and caregivers to available resources by providing statewide training on topics significant to seniors and their caregivers. The program trains participants on how to clearly disseminate senior information. Cathy involved Bethesda staff in developing curriculum that certifies professionals throughout Missouri to help with any senior care-based issue.

John began his career with Bethesda Health Group in 1986 as a member of its Board of Directors. In 1997, John was elected Chairman of the Board, and in 1998, he left a 31-year banking career to begin serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bethesda.

After 12 years of service, John retired and remains a member of the Bethesda Board of Directors. Under his leadership, Bethesda grew from 7 locations to 10, adding the Bethesda Southgate, Terrace, and Orchard communities. John also added vital services such as Medicare Rehab & Therapy, assisted living, home health care, private duty assistance and hospice care. He led the senior services industry in developing a compliance program and created the Bethesda Institute for management and staff development. John’s strong leadership and innovative talent helped to shape Bethesda into the excellent organization it is today.

John served on the Bethesda Board of Directors from 2015 to 2023 and will join the Bethesda Advisory Board in 2024. He is also a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society and a Heritage Society member.

Juanita served on the Bethesda Board for 15 years, serving as Board Chairman from 1994-1996.

Juanita’s leadership helped guide Bethesda during a period of growth, including the purchase of Bethesda Barclay House, Bethesda Orchard, Bethesda Southgate and Bethesda Terrace, as well as the construction of Bethesda Meadow.

Juanita is currently a member of the Bethesda Advisory and Bethesda Women’s Boards, and a member of the Bethesda Legacy Society. She is a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Bob began volunteering at Bethesda Meadow in 2008. As a volunteer, he developed the “Boys of Bethesda” club for male residents (resident-dubbed, the Club B.O.B.”). The Club held barbecues and organized field trips to local attractions such as the Soldier’s Memorial and the Museum of Transportation

He also created a permanent exhibit of military memorabilia, much of which was supplied by residents who were Veterans like himself and helps organize the annual Veterans Day celebration.

Bob spends on average close to 40 hours a week at Bethesda Meadow, and if that’s not enough, went through training to become a Hospice Care volunteer as well.

Earle served on the Bethesda Board of Directors from 1979-1983. He, along with Fred Parabo, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Bethesda Legacy Society, which encouraged individuals and corporations to contribute $500 or more, annually, to the Bethesda Health Group Foundation.

Earle is a current member of the Bethesda Advisory Board and a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Bob was a consistent presence at Bethesda Dilworth for 19 years volunteering to escort residents to Rosary and Catholic Mass services on Saturdays.

He had an innate ability to develop strong, personal relationships with the residents. He knew and understood that connecting with someone can alleviate loneliness and bring peace and joy into their lives.

George served more than 30 years on the Bethesda Board of Directors. He served as the Bethesda Board Chairman from 2008-2010 and again from 2015 – 2017.

In addition to serving on countless board committees, most in leadership positions, George, along with former President and CEO John Rowe, was the driving force behind the creation of Charless Village. He currently is a member of the Bethesda Advisory Board. George and his wife, Barbara, are charter members of the Elizabeth Hayne and Heritage Societies.

Mary Lou served as a volunteer at Bethesda Dilworth. An active church member, she agreed to coordinate the Catholic Mass services on Saturday afternoons at Bethesda Dilworth offered to residents and their loved ones – a commitment that continued for more than 30 years!

The members of the Charless Foundation provided financial support and guidance to Bethesda during the addition of The Charless Home and the preparation and construction of Charless Village, a rehab center and assisted living community in South County.

Ken was a longtime Bethesda Board member and Advisory Board member.

During his term, Ken served on the Bethesda Board’s Finance Committee and Human Resource Committee, but it was as Chairman of Bethesda’s Building and Grounds Committee that he established his legacy. Under his guidance, Bethesda completed dozens of construction projects totaling tens of millions in expenses. During this time, Ken used his expertise to provide counsel regarding architects, contractors, and various engineers.

Peter’s relationship with Bethesda began in the mid-1980s when he joined the Board for the first of many terms. During his tenure on the Bethesda Board of Directors he served in a multitude of leadership roles and participated on several committees. Peter also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Peter chaired the first strategic planning effort for Bethesda, which provided the organizational “roadmap” for the future. He is currently a member of the Bethesda Advisory Board and charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Ray’s interest in Bethesda began in 1983 when his mother became a Bethesda Adult Day Club participant and a Bethesda Dilworth resident. Ray joined the Bethesda Dilworth Auxiliary and quickly became a much-loved Bethesda volunteer. He built shadow boxes outside of the doors of the Memory Care unit for the residents and their families to enjoy. Almost every day, Ray visited and helped at the Adult Day Club.

Ruth began serving Bethesda residents in 1994, when she joined the Bethesda Meadow Auxiliary. She served in many leadership capacities within the Auxiliary including serving as its President – for three terms!

In 2002, she underwent training to become a Bethesda Hospice Care volunteer and became one of the first Hospice Care volunteers.

Ruth also served on the Bethesda Advisory Board until 2023.

Jim’s relationship with Bethesda began when he joined the medical staff of Bethesda General Hospital in 1973, ultimately serving as Medical Staff President for twenty years. He was the Medical Director for both Bethesda Dilworth and Bethesda Meadow from 1973 – 2007.

After retirement in 2007, he became the Medical Director of Bethesda’s Employee Health program where he continues to help mold Bethesda’s programs and policies. Jim has been an active member of the Bethesda Advisory Board since 2000 and is a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society. He and his wife, Mary, gifted the Library at Bethesda Dilworth.

In 1979, Margaret (know by friends as Peg) became a founding member of the Bethesda Women’s Board. She had a special passion for promoting health care for seniors, especially that of Alzheimer’s residents at Bethesda Dilworth, Meadow, and Southgate. Since 2008, Bethesda has been the recipient of very generous gifts from the Margaret Blanke Grigg Foundation.

Marie volunteered at Bethesda Dilworth for over 40 years and held many positions on the Dilworth Auxiliary.

Marie founded the Dilworth Ding-A-Lings, a volunteer choir group that entertained and serenaded residents every Thursday. She sang and played the piano to bring joy to residents, families, and staff.

Her passion for bringing music into the lives of thousands of seniors was contagious.

Joe served on the Bethesda Board of Directors for eighteen years and provided essential counsel and advice. Joe served as the Chairman of the Board from 2013-2014.

He also created Bethesda’s compliance program and served as the first Chairman of the Compliance Committee.

For over 30 years, Doris volunteered to manage and stock the Bethesda Dilworth Snack Cart. She made shopping convenient, fun, and accessible for those Dilworth residents with limited mobility.  She was beloved at Dilworth and brought a great deal of joy (and sweets) to the residents.

Jackie served on the Bethesda Board of Directors for seventeen years from 1983-1991, 1993-2001, and 2003-2004. She has been a member of the Bethesda Women’s Board since its inception and chaired the Bethesda Cookbook Committee in 1989. Her counsel as a member of the Building and Grounds Committee was invaluable, especially at Bethesda Dilworth and Bethesda Southgate. Currently, Jackie is an active member of the Bethesda Advisory Board.

John served on the Bethesda Board of Directors for 24 years beginning in 1984 with five of those years serving as Chairman of of the Board. He was most dedicated to Bethesda’s mission and residents. John is the second longest serving Chairman of the Board in Bethesda’s history.

In June 1989, Jim joined Bethesda Dilworth as its Chaplain. Jim was one of the most respected and beloved Bethesda staff members of his time. He was truly dedicated to the Bethesda Dilworth residents and their spiritual well-being.

Former Chairman of the Board of Bethesda (1988-1990), Earl served 18 years as a board member, retiring in 2002. During his term, Earl provided wise counsel for two CEO’s, John F. Norwood and John W. Rowe.

Earl was a long-time member of Bethesda’s Advisory Board, and his wife, Martha (Martie), was a member of the Bethesda Women’s Board.

Mary volunteered for more than 20 years at Bethesda Dilworth. Mary, known as “Mrs. Dilworth Auxiliary,” joined the Auxiliary in 1982, the year her mother became a resident. Mary was elected as the Dilworth Auxiliary President five different times for a total of ten years of service, leadership, and dedication to Bethesda residents.

After Dr. Hawk retired from his private practice, he became the Medical Director of Bethesda Dilworth. He held this position for 12 years, from 1989 to 2001 when he retired. At 71 years of age, Dr. Hawk was one of only two Medical Directors in the United States to be Board Certified for Geriatric Medicine.

Art served as Chairman of the Bethesda Board of Directors in 1982-1983 and was a board member for 12 years. Art was a leader of the 1982 Steering Committee formed to raise funds to construct the front wing of the former Bethesda General Hospital, used primarily as the Bethesda Eye Institute. Mr. Wright passed away in 1995 at the age of 76 and was awarded the Norwood Award posthumously. His wife, Nancy Wright accepted his honor.

Dave served on the Bethesda Board of Directors for 17 years beginning in 1980. His leadership on the Board was unparalleled and greatly appreciated. Since 1999, Dave has served on Bethesda’s Advisory Board. He is a charter member of the Elizabeth Hayne Society.

Mr. Schott served on the Bethesda Board of Directors from 1974-1981 (formerly Bethesda General Hospital and Homes) and as Chairman of the Board from 1978-1980.

In 1981, Charles joined the Bethesda Advisory Board.

During the early 1980’s, Charles was instrumental in a Capital Funds campaign to raise funds for expansion projects at Bethesda General Hospital.

Dr. Drews was the Vice President of the Bethesda General Hospital Medical Staff from 1967-1968 and President from 1968-1970. Bob was a member of the Bethesda Board of Directors from 1971-1979 and from 1985-1993. He was a member of the Bethesda Advisory Board and an avid supporter.

One of his proudest memories was being elected in 1948 to the Board of Directors of Bethesda General Hospital. He served 2 terms as a board member and thereafter as a member of the advisory board. Following the death of Mrs. Novotny in 1996, he became increasingly active in the Bethesda Dilworth Auxiliary serving as treasurer and multiple terms as president. He spent hours each week providing help and assistance to the nursing home residents and nurses during mealtimes and on holidays. Gilbert was always willing to help all who sought his guidance, assistance and financial support, never accepting anything in return.

Mrs. Bland served on the Bethesda Board of Directors from 1977-1982. After her term was completed, she joined the Bethesda Advisory Board, and remained a fixture on that board for 22 years. Mrs. Bland created the Women’s Advisory Board, which aligned closely with the Bethesda Health Group Foundation to enhance the fundraising component of the organization. She served in this capacity for 30 years.

Al was appointed chairman of the Bethesda Fund in 1982, which raised $5M to construct the Bethesda Eye Institute Building and upgraded Bethesda General Hospital’s facilities.  In 1982, he was elected to the Bethesda Board of Directors and served as the Chairman from 1984-1987.  He was a member of the Bethesda Advisory Board. Nancy O’Brien accepted the Norwood Award on behalf of her husband.