Written by Melani Morose Edelstein & Melissa Bean Sterzick

In the bustling corridors of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, the blue-jacketed volunteers are a familiar and comforting presence. They wheel new mothers and their babies to waiting loved ones, staff the information desk with reassuring smiles and fill the hospital’s atrium with the soothing sounds of a grand piano.

Among this extraordinary group, one figure stands out: a woman whose silver hair, signature red nails and ever-present warmth have become an indelible part of the hospital’s fabric. At 97, Mimi Brody isn’t just a volunteer—she’s a legend. With nearly 33,000 hours of service accrued over 56 years, she has been a guiding force in shaping the hospital’s beloved gift shop, where she still greets visitors with the same kindness and care that have defined her decades of service.

“Sometimes people are celebrating, and sometimes they need to share their worries,” she says. “You listen, and it makes them feel better.”

Mimi’s journey with Torrance Memorial began with a simple act of friendship when she joined the hospital’s Auxiliary with a friend after moving to the South Bay. In those early days, the gift shop was no more than a cart stocked with candy bars and magazines, wheeled from room to room. Over time, the cart evolved into a full-fledged shop, a haven for last-minute gifts and comforting tokens. It now even offers an online ordering option.

Her roots run deep. Raised in Arcadia, Mimi studied at UC Berkeley, where she vividly recalls the unique post-World War II atmosphere: scarce gasoline, rationed nylon hosiery and a campus almost devoid of men.

Eventually, she built a life in the South Bay, raising two daughters, Marilyn and Jill, and embracing her roles as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Ever tech-savvy, she stays connected with her family through texts and video calls, though she laughs, “I usually have to text my grandson first if I want a response.”

But Mimi’s impact extends beyond her time and energy. Having been a patient herself, most recently in the emergency department, Mimi knows firsthand the importance of hospital improvements. “I can see from experience how critical it is to expand the emergency department,” she says. “There is a real need.”

That’s why she has chosen to include Torrance Memorial in her estate planning as part of the hospital’s Planned Giving Program. This initiative allows individuals to create a lasting legacy through wills, trusts or other planned gifts, ensuring future generations receive the same compassionate care Mimi has both given and received. These gifts not only support vital hospital programs and advancements but can also provide financial benefits to donors, such as tax advantages and income during retirement.

For Mimi, giving back isn’t just something she does; it’s who she is. And retirement? That word isn’t in her vocabulary. “They can’t get rid of me,” she jokes. “I’ve been here for three CEOs: George Graham, Craig Leach and Keith Hobbs. This is my place.”

With her unwavering dedication, Mimi has become more than a fixture at Torrance Memorial. She is its heartbeat. Through her time, generosity and planned gift, she ensures her legacy will continue to touch lives, just as she has for more than half a century. She is living proof that kindness, service and a commitment to community can create an impact that lasts far beyond a lifetime.