Souza Family Bequests $3.6 Million to Marian Foundation
The late Irving and Dadi Souza’s support of and dedication to Marian Medical Center has been integral to many of Marian’s largest projects in the last fifteen years. From Project Heart Center to Circle of Friends, this loving and devoted couple served Marian’s Mission through their time, talent and treasure. They continue to do so with a generous endowment in perpetuity, designated specifically to assist in the construction of the new hospital.
As Ed Geoffroy, longtime Souza family friend and accountant explains, “The Souzas were very dedicated to the success of Marian Medical Center. They believed in the hospital’s mission and supported many Marian projects over the years.”
Irving Souza was born in Guadalupe, California in 1914, but his family eventually relocated to the San Jose area. Irving attended nearby Santa Clara University to pursue a degree in Business Administration. It was during his years in San Jose that Irving met his beloved wife, Dadi a Bay Area native and graduate of Notre Dame High School. The two were married in 1939 at St. Clare’s Catholic Church in Santa Clara, CA.
Shortly after Mr. Souza’s graduation from Santa Clara, he and his wife returned to the Central Coast where he established a working relationship with his extended family at Souza Brothers Packing. In 1963, Mr. Souza made the somewhat risky decision to retire from his family’s company to became a founding Director of Los Padres National Bank, where he served as Chairman of the Board. Although such a move carried risk, Ed Geoffroy says, “Irving always had good, sound business sense. I figured he knew what he was doing, and he did!”
The Souza’s relationship with Marian Medical Center began in 1992 when Mr. Souza joined the Marian Foundation’s Board of Directors. Longtime Marian Foundation Board member Sue Sword observes, “As soon as we got him initially involved with the Foundation Board, he was hooked and he fell in love with the cause.” He served in many different capacities for the allotted six years of service, presiding as Marian Foundation President in 1996.
Throughout their involvement with Marian Medical Center, the Souzas contributed to and participated in many of the hospital’s most ambitious projects. Although arthritis and other health issues prevented Mr. Souza from participating in the annual Marian Foundation Golf Tournament in later years, he’d call the Foundation office each year during planning time. He never failed to ask if Fr. Mark Newman from St. Louis de Montfort needed a sponsor, and always quietly saw to it that he had one. When asked each year if he would golf, he would chuckle and respond, “No, but I’ll come to the reception for my $500 drink!”
Perhaps the most poignant memory friends have of Irving and Dadi Souza is their devotion to one another. After 60 years of marriage, they remained as in love as they were the day they wed. The two enjoyed traveling and spent a good deal of time together at their vacation home in Palm Springs. Irving and Dadi also took frequent cruises all over the world, the last one through the Panama Canal.
Irving Souza passed away on March 17, 2002 and his beloved wife, Dadi died June 16, 2003. Their legacy continues to have a profoundly positive impact on the growth and success of Marian Medical Center.
