Long-time Volunteer Surprises Henry Ford Macomb Hospital with Large Estate Gift

In her more than 20 years as a volunteer at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Aida Mattei demonstrated her true colors as generous person who had a tremendous amount of compassion. After her passing two years ago, that compassion became even more clear when it was revealed that she had left Henry Ford Macomb more than $1 million through her estate.

Throughout her life, Aida made a profound impact with her involvement with the St. Joseph’s Auxiliary and the Development Office, and was instrumental in the planning of various fundraisers, most notably the Medallion – Macomb’s Gala Event. During her time on these committees, she helped raise millions of dollars for Macomb’s surgical expansion project, cancer services, the heart institute and trauma care.

Aida did not take her commitments lightly; she cared deeply for her community and relished every opportunity to make sure our patients had the best healthcare available.

“We are grateful for Aida’s generosity and kindness she gave to Henry Ford Macomb,” said Barbara Rossmann, CEO and President of Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.

Aida was a quiet and soft-spoken individual who understood how important philanthropy was to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, and she had a history of thoughtful surprises. In 2010, she unexpectedly gave $100,000 to the Henry Ford Macomb Heart Institute in honor of her family, which had a history of heart disease. She knew her gift would help enhance the delivery of top-tier cardiovascular care, on par with the finest medical institutions in the nation.

Aida Mattei passed away in 2017 at the age of 79, but it turns out that she wasn’t done surprising Henry Ford with her generosity. Aida bequeathed a large sum of her estate, totaling nearly $1.5 million, to support Henry Ford Macomb.

“We are forever grateful for the incredible generosity and kindness she has shown to our patients and the community we serve,” said Tina Lavinio-Mattinen, Chief Development Officer of Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.

Aida’s estate gift gave Henry Ford Macomb Hospital the funding to build three state-of-the art trauma rooms which will allow the health system to continue to deliver safe, high-quality and effective trauma care in Macomb County. This gift will impact thousands of patients and their families for years to come. Her compassion, dedication and sincerity knew no bounds, and Henry Ford Macomb is a testament to the possibilities that can be reached, thanks to one woman’s tireless generosity.

In recognition of this landmark gift, Henry Ford Macomb’s Level Two Adult Trauma Center will be named the Aida Mattei Trauma Center in her honor.