A Lifetime Connection to Westerly Hospital

Apart from the years spent away at boarding school and college, Lois Vars has lived in Westerly, Rhode Island, and has been directly and indirectly involved in the progress of Westerly Hospital most of her life. Because her father was a Westerly pharmacist, health was a frequent topic of discussion in their home. When Lois was ten years old, she had her first direct experience as a Westerly Hospital patient urgently requiring an appendectomy.

Lois has been contributing to regional healthcare advancements for decades. In 1962, she was awarded her pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island and began operating the family business, Vars Brothers Pharmacy, with her father and brother for several years. This enabled her to personally interact with many local patients and physicians. In 1974, she joined URI as Assistant Dean of Pharmacy, retiring in 1994.

Beginning in 1976, Lois became a member of the Westerly Hospital Board of Trustees, serving as Chair of the Hospital Board during 1990-1991. Aware of the growing need for philanthropic support for the hospital, she has worked closely with others to encourage gifts from throughout the community, including annual and planned or “legacy” giving.

A recent experience led to a trip to the Westerly Hospital Emergency Department and serves as Lois’ latest reminder of “how lucky we are to have this hospital in this town.” So, when she’s asked why she’s chosen to include Westerly Hospital in her estate planning, Lois Vars’ answer is characteristically direct, “Why would I not?”