Providing for Residents Brings Purpose to Her Life

“I was struggling to find my purpose. Did I make any significant contributions to the world?”

Marlene Baran put two and two together and came up with the meaning of her life: her legacy of an unrestricted estate gift to Los Angeles Jewish Health.

“When I came to this decision, I said to myself, ‘You know what, here’s my purpose.’ I finally figured it out.’”

Her father, a Holocaust survivor, lived at LAJH for less than two years. Those two years, however, were a relief and a blessing. He received the best care, in every sense. “They’re always keeping the residents active and engaged. It is a very pleasant place,” Marlene says.

She laughs a little, remembering her father’s first day at LAJH. While she and her father were eating in the dining room, a woman in a wheelchair approached Marlene and asked if her dad would ever like to have dinner with her. This woman and her dad ended up being very good friends, Marlene says. “It was wonderful for him.”

Her unrestricted gift means the money will be put toward the best possible use at the time it is received.

“This money will really go to the people who need it,” Marlene says, “making their final years comfortable and not lacking for any of the comforts we all want, and that they so deserve.”

Like, Marlene, you can make a difference for future residents with a gift in your estate. Contact Aaron Levinson at (818) 757-4416 or aaron.levinson@jha.org to learn more.