The late Irving and Dadi Souza, longtime friends and dedicated supporters of Marian, bequeathed a substantial $3.6 million to the Marian Foundation - the single largest bequest ever received by the Foundation.

The Souzas generous bequest created the Souza Family Endowment which has supported and will continue to support construction of new building projects and the acquisition of the latest in state-of-the-art medical technologies.

Not only did the Souzas support many of Marian Regional Medical Center's largest projects, but Irving was an integral Marian Foundation Board member for many years. Irving, along with his loving wife, Dadi,were innovators in gifts made to the hospital, giving of their leadership, time and resources to support the medical center. The Souza's relationship with Marian Regional Medical Center began in 1992 when Irving joined the Marian Foundation Board. Irving served in many different capacities for his allotted six years of service and even presided as Marian Foundation President in 1996.

Longtime Marian Foundation Board member Sue Sword recalls, "As soon as we got him initially involved with the Foundation Board, he was hooked and he fell in love with the cause."

Like many donors, the thread that tied the Souza family to Marian was a genuine belief in Marian's mission of health care established by the Sisters of Saint Francis and, to that end, the Souzas graciously provided personal, annual support year after year to ensure superior health care for the local community.

Marian Regional Medical Center is honored to be one of several institutions who have been touched by the generosity of the late Irving and Dadi Souza. Their legacy will reign on, making a profoundly positive impact on the bright future of Marian and the community.