BANGOR – St. Joseph Hospital recently received a generous gift from the Sidney Epstein family in memory of Helen B. Epstein. The check was presented to Sister Mary Norberta, president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph Healthcare.

A statement accompanying the gift, written by Epstein’s children – Elaine, Bruce and Carol Epstein – read: “This gift is made in acknowledgement of the extraordinary care and compassion the entire staff of St. Joseph Hospital showed to our mother, Helen Epstein, during her stay here prior to her death in June of 2000. Both the quality of the medical care and the exemplary dedication of the talented nurses allowed our mother to live the final weeks of her life to the fullest extent and with dignity.”

The gift is designated to offset the cost of the recent addition of the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

The Epstein family said, “We believe the Cardiac Catheterization Center enhances the already pivotal role St. Joseph’s plays in its mission of bringing excellent medical care to the entire community.”

Sister Norberta expressed gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the Felician Sisters, the St. Joseph Healthcare board of trustees and the administrative team.

“I would like to thank the Epstein family for supporting our mission through this very generous gift,” Sister Norberta said. “I believe Helen would be pleased that this gift has been designated for our Cardiac Cath Lab, and a plaque in her memory will be prominently placed on site.”