A Legacy of Love: Linda Lauck’s Enduring Commitment to Peace Harbor
When Linda Lauck speaks about Peace Harbor, it’s with admiration and warmth of someone who has lived through its care, championed its mission, and shaped its future.
Linda and her late husband David first discovered Florence, Oregon, during a fly-fishing trip. The town felt like home, and in 1990, they made it their permanent one. From the beginning, Linda saw the local hospital not just as a place for care, but as a cornerstone of community life. “We thought, if we’re going to retire here, we need to do something for this hospital,” she said. That simple, heartfelt conviction became the foundation of a decades-long relationship with Peace Harbor.
Linda’s philanthropy began modestly with a gift recognizing a hospital staff member as an “Angel.” But her giving grew in both size and impact. She and David made an estate gift, bequeathing their home to Peace Harbor. Later, Linda established multiple charitable gift annuities and trusts, ensuring that her support would continue long after her lifetime. “It truly gives me great pleasure to donate my money to things I believe in,” she shared.
Her connection to Peace Harbor deepened when David was diagnosed with cancer. The care he received from the Hospice team — left a lasting impression on Linda. “They were just tremendous,” Linda recalled. “The nurses, the physicians, the level of care that we experienced was just superb.” She chose to keep David at home, and the support she received from Peace Harbor’s Hospice nurses during his final days lifted a tremendous weight from her shoulders. “I don’t know if we would have had that level of care anywhere else,” she said. “It’s the love and care of our small community hospital that made all the difference.”
Linda’s advocacy didn’t stop at giving. She joined Peace Harbor’s board of directors, bringing her voice and vision to the table. She’s passionate about expanding specialty care in Florence, especially for seniors and those with disabilities who struggle to travel to Eugene. “I’ve known people who refused treatment because they couldn’t make the trip,” she said. “We need to bring care closer to home.”
Her generosity is matched by her wisdom. Linda encourages others to give, no matter the amount. “You don’t need wealth to make a difference,” she said. “Even $5 or $10 a month is wonderful. Just do something.” She’s also a strong advocate for charitable gift annuities, which she describes as a win-win: donors receive lifetime income while supporting the hospital’s future.
Today, Linda reflects on her life with gratitude and a desire to uplift others. Her advice to younger generations is simple yet profound: “Be a good person. Live a good life. Look out for others.” It’s a philosophy she’s lived by — and one that continues to shape Peace Harbor’s story.
Linda Lauck’s legacy is not just in the gifts she’s given, but in the lives she’s touched. Her story is a reminder that generosity, rooted in love and community, can transform healthcare and bring care close to home.
About PeaceHealth Foundations: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Since 1890, PeaceHealth has been guided by a Mission of healing and compassion. Today, PeaceHealth Foundations carry forward that legacy — powered by philanthropy and grounded in community. As the philanthropic partner to PeaceHealth’s nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics, we help expand access, advance technology and empower caregivers to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Every gift ensures that outstanding care continues to reach families, friends and neighbors throughout the Northwest. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Discover the impact of philanthropy at peacehealth.org/foundation.
