Gayle McCorkle: Making Her Home at Cook Valley Estates
Gayle McCorkle and her late husband, Phil, met in high school, dated in college, and were married before Phil served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Phil received his master’s degree in hospital administration at George Washington University. Gayle worked for a congressman.
In 1975, Phil saw an ad for an administrator position at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, says Gayle. “He was chosen out of 300 applicants for the job.” Phil worked at Butterworth for 25 years until its merger and creation of Spectrum Health.
In 2000, Phil became the President and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, where he became quite involved with the hospital’s fundraising (UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation’s President and CEO, Kelli Smith, worked in the foundation at St. Mary’s during this time). Gayle was a dedicated volunteer at the hospital, sending birthday cards and words of encouragement. Phil also wrote a book, On the Wings of Angels, about his 13-year career at St. Mary’s.
Many of Phil and Gayle’s friends, including Ralph Hauenstein and Peter Cook, lived at Cook Valley Estates. “They loved living here and always told Phil this was a nice place to live,” says Gayle. After Phil passed away, Gayle lived in her home for three years before deciding it was too much. “I began having some vision problems and couldn’t take care of the yard or the house,” Gayle explains. Three years ago, Gayle moved to a Town Home at Cook Valley Estates. The McCorkles’ two sons and their families live nearby.
“It’s been a godsend to me,” says Gayle. “I love it. I have nice neighbors and have met a lot of nice people. The Cook Valley team members take care of the housekeeping and the yard. I also have enjoyed the Stretch and Balance class and learning to play bridge in the Tea Room.” Gayle says it’s also a “dog-friendly community” which is important to Gayle and her Schnauzer, Max.
Gayle continues her husband’s philanthropic spirit with gifts to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, to be used where needed most. “I give to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation because philanthropy is important to me, and so is Cook Valley Estates.”
Learn more about ways to give to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation or to make one of Brio Living Services’ communities your new home!
This blog is sponsored by Emmanuel Hospice, a Live Life with Brio Bronze Sponsor! Your thoughtful gift brings joy to the older adults we serve and our team members.
