A Legacy of Care: Emilia D. van Beugen’s Gift from the Heart

For Emilia D. van Beugen, Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) was more than a workplace, it was a place of purpose, growth, and community. A retired registered nurse and hospital administrator, Emilia dedicated 34 years of her career to Yale New Haven, playing a key role in both patient care and innovation. One of her proudest contributions was helping to implement a new bed management system—an initiative that later led her to join the startup company, Premise, that developed it.

Now 75 and living in Madison, Connecticut with her husband, Kenneth Florey, a retired English professor from Southern Connecticut State University, Emilia reflects on her time at the hospital with deep appreciation. “I personally found that we did a very good job taking care of our patients,” she said. “And the hospital took very good care of its employees. I began my career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1972, and thanks to educational support from YNHH, I was able to earn a degree in both nursing and biology at Quinnipiac.”

That sense of being valued—as a professional and as a person—inspired Emilia to think about how she could give back. As a proud member of Yale New Haven Hospital’s Knight Society, she recently made the thoughtful decision to leave a legacy gift through a life insurance policy she no longer needed.

Originally purchased when her first husband was alive, the policy was meant to provide financial security in case she passed away first. Now remarried and financially secure, Emilia realized the policy could serve a new purpose. “I thought, if I could reward the hospital’s commitment to patients and staff, why not leave this benefit to Yale New Haven Hospital upon my death?”

With a sizeable benefit to the hospital upon maturity, Emilia has earmarked her gift for unrestricted use, meaning YNHH can use it where the need is greatest. Emilia hopes it might support areas close to her heart: patient care and education. “I’d love to see it help people grow—maybe support staff to go back to school, get a degree or certificate, and continue to enhance care for patients. That would be wonderful.”

Emilia’s generosity is not a new chapter, but a continuation of a lifelong story of service and giving. She has supported the hospital with annual gifts, and now her planned gift will help ensure Yale New Haven Hospital continues its mission for generations to come.

According to Emilia, “YNHH is an excellent employer—and an excellent place to receive care. I’m proud to have been a part of it and to support its exceptional work.”