Ann Lurie, Renowned Chicago Philanthropist and Former Nurse, Dies at 79
Ann Lurie, a self-described "hippie" who rose to become one of Chicago’s most celebrated philanthropists, passed away on Monday at the age of 79. Lurie, known for her hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to social causes, left an indelible mark on the city through her generous donations to various institutions, including a $100 million gift that helped build the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Her passing was announced by Northwestern University, where she served as a trustee and donated over $60 million. While the statement did not disclose the cause of death or place of passing, it highlighted Lurie’s extraordinary life and impactful legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- A Life Dedicated to Philanthropy: Lurie’s philanthropic endeavors spanned decades, touching countless lives through her support of institutions in healthcare, education, social services, and global development.
- From Nurse to Renowned Philanthropist: Lurie’s journey from a pediatric nurse at Children’s Memorial Hospital to a leading philanthropist underscores her deep-rooted care for others and her belief in improving the well-being of communities.
- Impactful Contributions to Chicago’s Landscape: Lurie’s generosity transformed Chicago’s skyline, particularly in the healthcare sector. Her monumental contribution to the construction of the Lurie Children’s Hospital stands as a testament to her legacy of compassion and commitment to children’s health.
- Beyond Chicago’s Borders: Lurie’s philanthropic spirit extended beyond her hometown, reaching out to marginalized communities in Africa and Asia.
- A Legacy of Empowerment: Lurie’s approach to giving emphasized not just financial aid but also fostering empowerment and self-reliance within communities.
Born in 1945, Ann Lurie’s life was a tapestry woven with a vibrant mix of personal experiences and unwavering principles. Raised in Miami by her mother, a nurse, Lurie attended the University of Florida, earning a nursing degree in 1966. Early on, she envisioned joining the Peace Corps, driven by a desire to serve others. However, her path diverged as she married an aspiring lawyer and embarked on a new chapter.
Despite her husband’s family’s wealth, Lurie insisted on living a modest lifestyle, supporting their family with her earnings as a nurse. The couple eventually settled in Fort Lauderdale, but their differing values ultimately led to their divorce in 1971. Lurie, resolute in her commitment to independence, swore off future relationships with wealthy partners and moved to Chicago, drawn to its diverse and vibrant culture.
It was in Chicago, "not knowing a soul," that she resumed her nursing career at the hospital that would later become her namesake. In 1971, a chance encounter in an elevator with Robert H. Lurie, a businessman and real estate mogul, changed the course of her life. Their bond, forged despite initial reservations about his wealth, was built on shared values of humility, hard work, and a profound desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Lurie and Lurie married in 1972, a union that deepened her philanthropic spirit. Together, they built a family, with six children, and established the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Foundation, a vehicle for their collective philanthropic endeavors. Robert passed away from colon cancer in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of business acumen and a substantial estate worth $425 million.
Ann Lurie, however, never sought to merely perpetuate wealth. Though she was the president and treasurer of the Lurie Foundation and the founder and president of Lurie Investments, her approach to philanthropy was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a personal desire to champion causes that resonated deeply with her. Her belief was that "philanthropy is about the passion you feel towards those who are living in deprived circumstances."
Lurie actively sought to address societal inequities and improve the well-being of communities, both locally and globally. In recognition of the exceptional care Robert had received at Northwestern University’s cancer center, the couple established the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and research.
Lurie’s impact on Chicago’s healthcare landscape was staggering. Her $100 million contribution was instrumental in the construction of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, a state-of-the-art facility that replaced Children’s Memorial Hospital, where Lurie had worked as a young nurse. Opened in 2012, the hospital stands as a tangible symbol of Lurie’s unwavering commitment to children’s health and a beacon of hope for families seeking medical care.
Lurie’s generosity extended beyond healthcare, touching numerous institutions and organizations dedicated to education, social services, and global development. She was a major benefactor of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, ensuring food security for families struggling with hunger. She lent her support to Gilda’s Club Chicago, a cancer support organization named after the late comedian Gilda Radner who succumbed to cancer in 1989.
Lurie’s philanthropic efforts spanned continents. Her passion for global health led her to establish Africa Infectious Disease Village Clinics in Kenya, where she actively engaged in healthcare initiatives for 12 years. Recognizing the inequities in healthcare access around the world, Lurie believed in empowering local communities to become proactive stakeholders in their own well-being.
Despite inheriting a substantial fortune, Lurie consistently championed an unpretentious lifestyle. Together with Robert, they raised their children with a focus on humility and a deep understanding of the importance of contributing to society. They minimised household help, opting for a simpler way of living, even taking on chores like mowing their own lawn and plowing their driveway. Lurie’s commitment to personal responsibility and community service extended to her children, ensuring they grew up with an appreciation for the privilege they enjoyed and a desire to use their resources to make a positive difference.
Ann Lurie’s life story is a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and a unwavering belief in the transformative potential of generosity. She embraced her philanthropic role as a responsibility to uplift others, driven by a deep-seated sense of humanity and a desire to create a world where everyone could thrive.
While her passing brings a profound sense of loss, it also serves as a powerful reminder of her lasting legacy. Her commitment to making a real and lasting impact on the world will continue to inspire generations to come, urging them to channel their resources and passions toward creating a more equitable and just society.
