Arthur and Mary Clapham
A Lasting Legacy
Celebrating the enduring impact of Mary and Arthur Clapham's generosity
More than 50 years after Mary and Arthur Clapham made their first gift to Lahey Clinic, their generosity continues to shape the future of care, research, and innovation. Although it has been many years since Mary and Arthur passed away, the impact of the couple’s commitment to Lahey has lived on through gifts made during their lifetimes and through their estate that collectively total more than $30 million. The Claphams’ enduring philanthropic legacy has done—and will continue to do—so much for Lahey patients and staff for decades to come.
To honor Mary and Arthur and celebrate their tremendous partnership, Lahey has installed commemorative displays recognizing both their lifetime generosity and the lasting impact enabled through their estate plans. The displays will be prominently featured in the East Lobby and adjacent to the Mary and Arthur Clapham Healing Garden in the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center. These installations serve to remind staff, patients, and visitors of the vital role that legacy giving plays in helping Lahey meet the evolving needs of our community.
Mary and Arthur generously supported key priorities across the full scope of Lahey’s mission, including establishing endowed research and nursing education funds, and providing support for cancer care. In addition, for 20 years, trusts established by Mary Clapham supported Lahey’s President’s Fund (formerly the Greatest Needs Fund) long after her death, providing flexible resources to address the Clinic’s most current and pressing needs. Mary and Arthur’s philanthropy continues to propel Lahey forward as we enter an exciting new chapter. The Clapham trust’s final distribution helped lay the groundwork for The Campaign for Lahey Clinic: care, elevated, a $150 million effort to build on Lahey’s legacy of excellence and prepare for the next century of care.
Through their vision, generosity, and enduring commitment, Mary and Arthur Clapham created a legacy that continues to benefit Lahey every day. Together with the trust’s previous support of campus transformation, their philanthropy has helped create an environment that reflects the exceptional care delivered within Lahey’s walls. As we honor the Claphams, we also celebrate the many donors whose estate commitments are helping ensure a strong future for Lahey. The impact of these gifts is felt every day by patients, families, and caregivers, demonstrating the extraordinary power of philanthropy to create meaningful change across generations.