Skip to contents
In This Issue:
Ruth Shapiro, Renowned Philanthropist and BWH Donor
BWH mourns the loss of Ruth Shapiro, a distinguished philanthropist and Brigham and Women's Hospital supporter for more than 25 years. She was 95 years old.
Mrs. Shapiro was born in Chelsea in 1917 and graduated from Wellesley College, where she majored in music, in 1937. She and her husband, Carl Shapiro, created the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation in 1961. Over the years, the foundation has provided generous support to many interests, including health care, arts and culture, education, Jewish causes and social welfare in the Greater Boston area and beyond.
"We're truly grateful for the inspiration, leadership and generosity that Mrs. Shapiro and her family have shared with our community. She will be deeply missed," said BWH President Betsy Nabel, MD.
As the largest individual donors to the hospital, the Shapiros' gifts have touched the Emergency Department, women's health, the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and many other research and education programs.
Their most notable support for BWH can be seen at the Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, which opened in 2008 and is a state-of-the-art cardiovascular care and research center that uses an integrated model for cardiac care.
"Quite simply, we would not be who we are without the friendship, support and vision of the Shapiros," said Nabel.
In addition to her keen interest in health care, Mrs. Shapiro was dedicated to education, art and music.
She joined Brandeis University's National Women's Committee in 1948 and was a member for more than 60 years. She also served as a trustee of the Norton Museum of Art and the Palm Beach Opera, and she was an overseer of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Mrs. Shapiro is survived by her husband of 73 years, Carl Shapiro, as well as her brother, three daughters, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.