Looking Out For Kids

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Lucy Neff

For M. Lucille Neff, kids come first. And just one of the many ways Lucy has been putting kids first is through her generous support of Children’s Wisconsin.

Already a donor for many years, Lucy took her first tour of Children’s Wisconsin in 1992 after attending a women's financial and estate planning seminar sponsored by Children’s Wisconsin and Health System Foundation. Impressed by what she saw, Lucy decided to also provide for future generations of children by naming Children’s Wisconsin a beneficiary of her revocable trust.

"I have no children myself, but I think it's very important to help the children of others," she said simply. "Children's is a wonderful organization, and I can't say enough good things about it."

A native of Illinois, Lucy began her career with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in her home state. She later transferred to Milwaukee, eventually taking the position of secretary and executive assistant to the president, and secretary of the Board of Trustees. After more than 50 years of service to the company, Lucy retired in 1982. She has stayed connected with many of her co-workers through various retiree gatherings.

Lucy recently celebrated her 92nd birthday and continues to remain active and interested in helping others. Along with her close friend, Margaret Wells, she attends annual Children’s Wisconsin and Health System events. "We really look forward to them," she said. "We have a wonderful time."

They also enjoy the symphony, ballet and theatre, and are known to cheer—with a lot of enthusiasm—for the Milwaukee Brewers. Traveling is another favorite pastime. Lucy and Margaret visit northern Wisconsin often, spending time at Margaret's family's cottage in Mercer and their timeshare condominium in Door County.

Although Lucy has few remaining close family members of her own, Margaret's nieces and nephews consider her their surrogate aunt.

Those special connections are yet another example of Lucy's commitment to helping and caring about others—a commitment that is incredibly valuable to the hospital.

To Lucy, supporting Children’s Wisconsin just makes good sense. "It's on my giving list each year," she said. "The work they do is important."

As a member of the Guardian Society, Lucy looks forward to attending the Children's annual recognition luncheon. It is an opportunity to visit with others who have included the health system in their estate plans and learn more about the wide range of programs that benefit children—programs that Lucy's estate gift will help ensure are here for future generations of children.