Whenever Janet Hooper had free time, she was always finding a way to help others.
A high school teacher for 35 years at Trabuco Hills High School, Janet had a natural giving spirit. She ran the school’s academic decathlon, which often competed at the state level, and she kept in touch with many of her students long after high school.
After retirement, Janet continued giving to others by sewing outfits for little girls in Uganda and making quilts for returning Marines and babies.
Throughout the years, Janet and her sister, Karen, also became generous supporters of MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. When their parents had surgery at the hospital, Janet and Karen wanted to show their gratitude in a meaningful way with a gift.
“We were always treated so nicely and carefully by the doctors and nurses that we wanted to give back,” said Karen.
The sisters gave significant gifts which were recognized by naming patient rooms in honor of their parents. When Janet passed away in 2021, Karen wanted to find a way to pay tribute to her as well.
“I thought it would be so appropriate that a scholarship in her name would help nurses and other staff with their education,” Karen said. Karen made a generous gift this year to create the Janet E. Hooper Endowed Scholarship.
“I’m delighted to know it’s in perpetuity, so nurses and clinical staff every year will have an opportunity to further their education,” said Karen. “Jan would be happy to know that’s her legacy.”
Jane E. Hooper Endowed Scholarship
- The scholarship will be awarded annually to a Saddleback Medical Center employee currently in school
to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. - As an endowed scholarship, the scholarship will continue in perpetuity.
- The SMCF Scholarship Program has granted over $1M to employees since the program’s inception.