A Quiet Legacy, A Lasting Impact

A generous and heartfelt gift from a woman devoted to the well-being of children will continue to touch lives in Northwest Arkansas for generations to come. Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas is honored to receive a transformational legacy gift of $1.3 million from the estate of Marjorie Kjelland, a long-time Bentonville resident with a quiet yet profound commitment to community service.

Ms. Kjelland, who passed away at the age of 88, lived a life marked by kindness and compassion. After retiring from a successful career in Iowa, she made her home in Northwest Arkansas, where she quickly became a quiet supporter of organizations that served children and families. Though she did not seek recognition during her lifetime, her impact will now be permanently felt through her thoughtful estate planning.

Years ago, Ms. Kjelland established a trust that specified equal support for two local causes close to her heart: Mercy Medical Center and the Benton County Sunshine School. Upon the settlement of her estate, both organizations learned they would each receive over $1.3 million-an unexpected and extraordinary blessing.

"Ms. Kjelland was obviously a very generous woman," said Clark Ellison, Vice President, Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas. "I'm sorry to say that I didn't know her during her lifetime. Mercy would have loved to be able to say thank you for such an incredible gift."

This generous contribution will be directed toward the Intensive Care Nursery at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, providing vital resources to care for the region's most vulnerable newborns. From advanced equipment to family support programs, Ms. Kjelland's legacy will offer comfort, hope, and healing at the very start of life.

Her gift is a poignant example of the power of planned giving. Through a bequest in her trust, Ms. Kjelland not only left a lasting mark on her community but also ensured that her values of compassion and care would live on.

Mercy Health Foundation's Callaghan Society honors donors like Ms. Kjelland who include Mercy in their estate plans. Mercy accepts a wide variety of planned gifts, including bequests, charitable trusts, annuities, and gifts of life insurance or real estate.

Planned gifts such as Ms. Kjelland's are more than financial contributions-they are declarations of faith in Mercy's mission and investments in the future of care for all who walk through our doors.

As we celebrate the life and generosity of Marjorie Kjelland, we are reminded that lasting impact often comes from those who give quietly, thoughtfully, and from the heart.