>Friday, January 23, 2009
BY MIKE DALY
NorthJersey.com
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Ann Swenson, president of The Valley Hospital Foundation, died yesterday at age 61.
A resident of Franklin Lakes, Swenson came to Valley in February 1994 as executive director of the foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of The Valley Hospital and Valley Home Care. She was also Valley’s vice president of development, serving as a member of the hospital’s executive staff.
During her tenure, Valley undertook two comprehensive capital campaigns. The first, “Our Next Century of Caring,” raised $17.3 million, and the second, “A Commitment to Health and Hope,” raised $30.6 million. Swenson also was instrumental in securing the largest gift ever given to a New Jersey hospital, when Ridgewood philanthropist David F. Bolger donated $30 million last May toward Valley’s plans to renew its campus.
In a letter to the hospital’s directors and trustees, Audrey Meyers, Valley’s president and CEO, expressed “utmost sadness” at Swenson’s passing and chronicled her many contributions to the hospital and its surrounding community.
“In addition to her many contributions to Valley, Ann will best be remembered for her passion and commitment to the organization, her quick smile, warm laugh, kind heart and gentle demeanor,” Meyers said. “She was a devoted wife and mother. She will be missed by all who were privileged to know her.”
Meyers said Swenson’s family will receive visitors at a casual gathering from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at the Ridgewood Country Club.
Swenson is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, K.C., Tom and his wife Sushene, and Andrea; and a brother, John Nett.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Swenson’s memory to The Valley Hospital Foundation, 223 N. Van Dien Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450.