By Mary Hladky
BOCA RATON — Philanthropist Elaine J. Wold, whose generosity helped transform two leading Boca Raton institutions, died in mid-March at the age of 97.
Originally from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Mrs. Wold moved to South Florida in 1955 following her marriage to Dr. Keith C. Wold, who predeceased her. She lived in Boca Raton for more than 45 years.
Although the Johnson & Johnson heiress donated to many organizations, her most notable gifts were to Lynn University and Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Her lead donation of $9.3 million allowed Lynn University to build the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center, which was dedicated in 2010. She also founded Elaine’s Musical Treat, an annual program that brings together actors and students from the Lynn Drama and Lynn University Conservatory of Music to collaborate on performances.
“In 2014, we had the honor of awarding Elaine an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at our commencement ceremony in recognition of her profound impact on the performing arts and student life,” said Cesar Palacios, Lynn’s associate director of public relations, marketing and communication.
“As a woman of grace and vision, Elaine was one of the most polite and charming individuals we have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” he said. “Her kindness and generosity will always be remembered.”
A $25 million gift from Mrs. Wold and the Bay Branch Foundation, formed by herself and her husband, paved the way for construction of the Gloria Drummond Patient Tower at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Wold asked that the seven-story tower be named for her lifelong friend, who had raised money to build the hospital after her two children died when they were poisoned by a neighbor in 1962. The nearest hospital at the time was in Boynton Beach.
“We are deeply grateful for Mrs. Wold’s generosity and unwavering support of Boca Raton Regional Hospital,” said Ryan Lieber, communications manager for Baptist Health South Florida, of which the Boca Raton hospital is a part.
“As a close friend of our founder, Gloria Drummond, Mrs. Wold shared a vision of providing exceptional health care to our community. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her remarkable legacy. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on our patients, caregivers and the future of our hospital.”
She made additional gifts to the hospital, including $5 million to start the Wold Family Center for Emergency Medicine.
“I believe we all have a responsibility to improve the level of health care in our area, to forge new directions and bring new medicine to our families here,” Mrs. Wold said at the 2022 groundbreaking for the patient tower.
As of March 31, funeral plans had not been announced.
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