Playful nature belied true nature of a committed philanthropist
Greta Flaschner was exuberant, playful and had a zest for life. She was lighthearted with those closest to her, but was quite serious about her philanthropy, as evidenced by a $2.7 million bequest she left to City of Hope.
She first learned of the institution several years ago through her friend Andy Spiegl, a member of the Board of Governors, the Medical Center Aides Chapter, and City of Hope’s national medical center board of directors. After Flaschner approached Spiegl about help in managing her rental property, he proposed relegating the duty to City of Hope. Soon afterward, Spiegl arranged for Flaschner and her late twin sister, Gertrude Sheldon, to tour the campus.
photo: COURTESY OF NANCY GENGOGreta Flaschner, left, Andy Spiegl, and Greta’s twin sister, Gertrude Sheldon
Moved by the tour, Flaschner embraced City of Hope’s mission. She set up a gift agreement for an apartment building she owned, with City of Hope as the beneficiary. This arrangement allowed her to retain ownership of the property during her life, with the building going to City of Hope upon her death.
Flaschner was focused and sharp when it came to finances, wanting to ensure that her money was wisely spent. “When Greta saw all of the children being treated at the hospital during her tour, she was elated that she had an opportunity to help them,” Spiegl said.
Originally from Prague, in the Czech Republic, Flaschner immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles with her late husband, Charles, in the 1940s. Sheldon moved to Vancouver, Canada. In their later years, the sisters often spent six months out of each year visiting each other, maintaining their close bond. Flaschner, who died in December 2005 at age 93, is survived by a niece.