As Williamstown Hospital launches the final stage of its Heart of Williamstown appeal to fund a $2.2million upgrade, we celebrate the big-hearted widow who contributed more than $800,000.
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Dorothy Ethel Gilmore died on July 10, 2013, aged 93.
She left 13 bequests totalling $60,000 and more than $800,000 each to the hospital and Cancer Council Victoria.
Mrs Gilmore had no children and neither she nor her late husband, Patrick, had any known surviving siblings.
She spent the last 20 years of her life being treated at Williamstown Hospital for a range of health issues.
She had appointed one of her nephews, Paul Jensen, as executor.
Mr Jensen said his aunty’s connection to Williamstown Hospital dated back many years.
Her grandfather, Jens Christian Jensen, had jumped ship from a Norwegian freighter and married a nursing sister from the hospital.
Mrs Gilmore was born in Cecil Street, Williamstown, and lived there until she married Patrick in 1948, after which the couple moved to Payne Street, Newport.
They ran a very successful green grocery business in Barkly Street, West Footscray. Through that enterprise, they supported Mrs Gilmore’s sister, Margaret, in taking on a milk bar and grocery on the corner of Payne Street and Alma Terrace, Newport.
They also owned many properties in Williamstown over the years.
Mr Jensen said his aunty – one of nine siblings, most of whom were born at Williamstown Hospital – left more than $800,000 in her will to the hospital because of the care her late husband received.
“Dorothy was forever grateful for the care Patrick received at Williamstown Hospital,” he said. “The staff went out of their way to look after Patrick during long periods of care.
“He had terminal cancer and many of the later years of his life were spent in and out of the hospital.
“She was also appreciative of the care she received during her time in hospital.”
For further information about the Heart of Williamstown Appeal, visit williamstownappeal.com
Goya Dmytryshchak
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