A Legacy of Compassion: Rodica I. Johnson's Commitment to GBMC
Rodica I. Johnson grew up in Princeton, New Jersey. Her parents were both employed by Princeton University, her father a Senior Researcher in Physics, and her mother a Publications Distributor for the Department of Economics. They were delighted to see her pursue a college degree at the well-respected Goucher College. Not only did Rodica enjoy the education and environment of the all women's college, she grew to love Baltimore.
Rodica met her husband of 26 years, a Professor of Art History at Goucher College, whom she married in 1974. Their marriage was happy, filled with travel, art and professional pursuits. Rodica was employed at Maryland Public Television, a job she greatly enjoyed, from 1973 to 1985. Her strong work ethic and ability to organize made the office management position a perfect fit.
In 2001, her husband fell ill and was diagnosed with leukemia that would take his life. The loss of her husband was difficult. In 2003, she overcame the cshallenges of returning to GBMC as a volunteer at the front desk of the Volunteer Office. She began meeting a network of friends who shared similar life stories connecting them with GBMC.
What began as a small commitment in 2003, led to Rodica's tenure as President of the Volunteer Auxiliary from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011. In this role, she felt a distinct pride in leading a group that gives so meaningfully to GBMC. During her tenure, the Auxiliary gave a generous $500,000 gift to name the waiting area in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute as part of the renovation of the facilities.
Rodica's support continued when she began volunteering in the GBMC Foundation office. Her work adds value to the fundraising efforts of GBMC and her joyful presence has continued to be appreciated over the last 7 years. Her support as a volunteer totaling 8,000 hours of service is exceptional. However, not content to end there, Rodica faithfully makes an annual gift to GBMC to honor her late husband or to support a projected of interest. She also established a Charitable Gift Annuity to further the work of GBMC and received a charitable income tax deduction and a life-time of income.
In her ultimate commitment to GBMC, Rodica joined the Elizabeth Duncan Yaggy Society by making a bequest to GBMC to establish the Rodica I. Johnson Fund for Oncology Patient Care and Support Services. Although she was hesitant for the endowed fund to include her name, she hoped that her name and story would inspire others to consider making a meaningful gift to GBMC.
The Elizabeth Duncan Yaggy Society honors loyal benefactors who have provided for GBMC in their estate plans or with a gift to GBMC that pays them a lifetime of income. Please contact us to learn more.
