Legacy of Love and Generosity
J. Thomas and Eleanor Requard owned a beautiful, historic 39-foot boat, the Isabel. From their second home on the Tred Avon River in St. Michaels, they would cruise the bright blue waters of the Chesapeake Bay, decompressing after long weeks spent working in Towson. Purchased from the Matthews Boating Company -- a long-standing family business formed in 1890 in Denton, MD — the boat was their pride and joy. A classic with lots of wood and brass finishings, the couple could often be found, even into their 80s, on their hands and knees sanding and maintaining the Isabel.
They were the kind of people who took precious care of everything they loved: hardworking and dedicated.
When Eleanor died in September 2019, just two months shy of her 105th birthday and 14 years after the death of her husband, GBMC received a $5 million bequest to support the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, including radiation oncology.
"Mr. Requard had a wonderful relationship with his wife, who would always accompany him for his ongoing visits with me following treatment," Dr. Robert Brookland, GBMC's Chair of Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center, a member of GBMC's HealthCare Board, the GBMC Philanthropy Committee, chair of the American Joint Committee on Cancer and Joseph S. Keelty and Elizabeth Duncan Yaggy Society member himself, said. "We would chat about a variety of topics during those meetings, but what most animated both Tom and Eleanor was an antique boat that was passed down to them from Eleanor's father. It was still seaworthy when they donated it to a museum. And, if I have any regrets, it is that I could never find the time to take them up on their offer of having a brief cruise and drinks on their pride and joy. They were very thoughtful and kind people who cared about GBMC and the community at large, and it was a privilege to participate in Tom's care."
Thomas and Eleanor were grateful for the care Dr. Brookland provided, but their relationship with GBMC extends even further back.
Eleanor's Personal Representative and the couple's long-time friend, J. Michael Brennan, shared Thomas' experience being treated for Guillain-Barre Syndrome more than 30 years ago.
"They were so impressed with the care he received," Michael said. "He was able to return to a completely normal, fully functioning life after being so ill. That really created a special place in their hearts for GBMC."
According to Brennan, Eleanor was "a very determined woman. They were very devoted to each other. She came in every day and was a task master. She really pushed him hard with physical therapy and he had a complete recovery."
The Requard's were not able to have children, though Eleanor devoted her life to childhood education. After graduating from Towson University (then Towson Normal) two years early at the age of 19, she entered the teaching profession and, at one time, was selected by the Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools to establish the kindergarten program for the county.
After retiring from teaching, Eleanor joined Thomas in his business managing properties. A business Thomas took over from his father, the couple managed many low-income properties, apartment buildings and multi-family properties in the Essex/Middle River area. Their commitment to helping people of limited means extended to their philanthropy. All their bequests to healthcare institutions included a portion of the bequest go to support folks that cannot afford the healthcare they need.
Thomas and Eleanor were dedicated to their community, their work, their leisure, and most importantly, to each other. Their story is a simple one. "I will always remember how devoted they were to each other. They were happily married for more than 50 years. They amassed a significant amount of wealth, and they gave everything to charity," Breenan said.
Because of their generosity, GBMC's cancer program received a total of more than $5 million-- 75% of which will be directed to the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, including radiation oncology, to be used for capital expenditures necessary for healthcare, while the remaining 25% will be used to create a permanent endowment for the Berman Cancer Institute that will provide necessary healthcare to patients who are unable to afford it.
GBMC will honor their memories in the daily work of talented physicians like Dr. Brookland, who treat patients for cancer every day.
Just as a boat requires dedication and commitment, so too does a cancer program of its community. In all aspects of their long lives, the Requard's were hard-working and committed to sharing their good fortune with others.
The Elizabeth Duncan Yaggy Society honors loyal benefactors who have provided for GBMC in their estate plans or with a gift to GBMC that pays them a lifetime of income. Please contact us to learn more.
