When a friend introduced Martha Guerra to her future husband, Robert, the native of Mexico had no interest in dating him. At the time, he spoke very little Spanish, and she very little English.

Despite her first impression, the kind-hearted Robert won her heart and the two married five years later. Robert was a skilled magician who often took Martha to the Magic Castle and always introduced her to his friends as “my loving wife.”

Martha went to school and became a cosmetologist. She built up her clientele and started her own salon, Nice & Easy Beautiful, which she ran for 14 years. “I worked long days, but I didn’t mind,” she says. “In my family, I was the only person who had an opportunity to study, and I was grateful.”

In 2020, Robert’s health declined, and she sold the business so they could spend more time together. Robert passed away in January 2021, but not before the philanthropic couple discussed their giving plans.

“We supported many charities,” she says. “Robert suggested that we support Providence Saint Joseph as the doctors are excellent, and we received great care and attention there. We wanted to ensure this would continue with our gift.”

Martha made a bequest to honor her beloved Robert to help patients through the Mary Potter Patient Assistance Program and the medical center’s “Area of Greatest Need” fund.

“Robert trusted the medical leadership at Providence Saint Joseph to make the best decision for the medical center with our gift,” said Martha. “I credit Robert for encouraging me to make this bequest. He was always a gentleman. We were partners in love, support and respect.”