Leaving a Legacy

Barbara “Zyg” Zygarowski worked as a post-anesthesia care nurse at the Springfield Shriners Hospital for more than 20 years. Retiring in 2009, her dedication continued as a volunteer.

Barb was the recipient of the first Excellence in Clinical Practice Award by the Massachusetts Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses in 2000. Her former colleagues remember her as someone who never had anything negative to say about anyone and never turned her back on a challenging situation. They describe her as honest and sincere, kind and compassionate. “She loved taking care of the little ones and always made sure they were safe and comfortable. She loved her job at Shriners,” recalled a friend and colleague.

Barb never married and didn’t have children. In many ways, the hospital was her family. With colleagues, she shared many gifts – encouragement, love, gardening tips and kielbasa from her brother’s butcher shop at Easter.

Barb’s gifts continued when she passed away in 2019 at the age of 73 and left her estate to the hospital. Through this significant gesture, Barb will continue to make a difference in the health and hope of children for years to come.

Please contact Stacey Perlmutter, director of donor development, at 413-735-1285 or via email for more information on making your dream philanthropic legacy gift.