Contributor Profiles

Beulah Ter Bush Hinkle

A Lifetime of Quiet Giving Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Beulah Ter Bush Hinkle may not be a familiar name to many in the Capital Region, but her generosity has been quietly improving the lives of others for decades. Mrs. Hinkle, who died at age 94 in 2003, often chose to make her charitable gifts anonymously and balked at efforts by grateful organizations to recognize her publicly.

"She had been quiet all those years about her gifts to people and organizations in the area," said Diana Newell, Mrs. Hinkle's caregiver of 30 years. "The knowledge that her many charitable gifts were helping others in need was all she needed to fill her very large heart with happiness."

Mrs. Hinkle's gift to The Schenectady Foundation was approximately $1.5 million -- one of several in her will to charitable organizations.

Mrs. Hinkle came from a philanthropic family -- her father was a founder of the Ter Bush and Powell Insurance Co – and she learned well from her parents. Mrs. Hinkle was a benefactor of St. Clare's Hospital, Ellis Hospital, St. Peter's Hospital, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Visiting Nurses, Albany Institute of History & Art, the Schenectady Museum and numerous other organizations.

Beulah Ter Bush grew up in Schenectady, attended Weber College in Florida, and opened a gift shop in North Carolina after graduation. She and her husband, Terry, married in 1938 and settled in Albany. Widowed in 1966, the Hinkles had no children and few relatives. But she had many, many friends. An avid bridge player who enjoyed telling stories, she was always willing to provide support and advice to her friends and, what she called, her "country cousins" – people who held a special place in her heart.

"Anyone who knew Beulah would be extremely fond of her," said Mrs. Newell. "When my mother died, Beulah said to me, 'That's ok dear, I'll be your mother now.'"

After Mrs. Hinkle suffered a stroke, she refused to go into a nursing home. Mrs. Newell arranged for a staff of nine caregivers and visiting nurses to provide around-the-clock care in her Beverwyck home. "If any of the girls couldn't make their shift, I came right back. That's how much she meant to me."

"She was an amazing woman," said Cindy McDonald, Mrs. Hinkle's financial advisor. "We met every week, and she would always ask about my family. She was very private and didn't want any recognition, but she had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met."

Among the 16 charitable organizations named in her will was the Heritage Home for Women in Schenectady and the Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center in Cohoes. Although neither facility had ever heard of Beulah Hinkle, each had cared for one of her dear friends.

"She took care of the people who took care of her friends," explained Ms. McDonald, who added that presenting these checks to the surprised and grateful facilities was a joy-filled experience.

"The Schenectady Foundation is tremendously grateful to Beulah Hinkle. Her gift helps us continue our important work, and her legacy of quiet giving is an inspiration to all individuals committed to helping those in need," said Robert Carreau, Administrator of The Schenectady Foundation.