Remembering Jena Ruhland

St. Mary’s Foundation lost a valued Board Member and one of our most avid supporters. It is with great sadness we announce that Jena B. Ruhland died peacefully on March 9, 2012 after a courageous battle with breast and liver cancer.

She was born on May 6, 1946 and graduated from Michigan State University with a Masters in Fine Arts in 1971. She taught, painted and was a connoisseur of art throughout her whole life. She moved to San Francisco in 1974 and worked in several Montgomery Street brokerage firms, holding various positions until she co-founded Capital Network Services where she served as CEO from 1995-2004.

Jena was dearly loved by her husband Fred Ruhland (read more about how he is honoring her legacy), her sister Nancy Kachel and her twin sister Judith Finn and basked in the love of her extended family that spread across four generations. Jena had many passions- she was an accomplished baker, painter, gardener, traveler, and adventurer.

When Jena first came to St. Mary’s she quickly made a name for herself as everyone who came in contact with her just fell in love with her. Dr. Robert Weber, nurse navigator Cheri Goudy, and nurse Peggy McEvoy Howes (her core team) all grew to have their own personal relationship with Jena.

When the Foundation first approached Jena to join the Board, Jena was more than willing to help and made an excellent addition to the team. What made Jena so unique and perfect for us was her desire to contribute, her experience as a past patient, and her enthusiasm for the hospital. Jena was greatly respected and treasured for her integrity, honesty and conscientiousness. She made a big impact on the Board. Although her time with us was short, she will forever be remembered and is greatly missed.


 

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