Stan and Marion have left a generous legacy at WCBR that was in line with their character – heart, and high notes.

Dr. Stanton (Stan) Nolan, a nineteen year resident of WCBR, passed away peacefully in September 2022. His wife, Ruth Marion (Marion) Nolan, an eight year resident predeceased him in 2011.

Stan earned a degree in Philosophy from Princeton University and medical degree from the University of Virginia. He held numerous roles in research, surgery, and teaching at the University of Virginia Medical Center, the National Institute of Health, and National Heart Institute. Stan was named UVA Professor Emeritus of Surgery in 2005. The positive impact he had on the field of cardiovascular medicine cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, Stan is often remembered for his humbleness. He made time to get to know his patients, and often could be found visiting them in the hospital on holidays. His dedication to care inspired many colleagues and surgeons in-training.

At WCBR, Stan remained dedicated to learning and serving others. He could be found engaged in intellectual discussions about theology, medicine, and politics with fellow residents.

“For years and years Stan got up early to start his day. When Stan and Marion moved to WCBR he did the same. Early every morning Stan went for a morning walk, and when Marion went to Vista he ended his walk with a visit to Vista where he woke his bride with a kiss,” resident Joy Perry recollects.

Elaine Harned, fellow resident and friend of the Nolans, believes Stan was of great service to WCBR. “It was great to have him be involved as he was very smart. And, Marion was one amazing woman. They both really cared about WCBR, the arts, and cats!”

In 2005, Stan served on the Search Committee when the Board of Trustees undertook a search process for a new President and CEO; and in 2006 he served as Chair of the Residents Council, the precursor to what is now named the Residents Association Executive Board. Stan also served for nine years on the WCBR Foundation Board (2007-2016) including a term as Chair (2010-2012).

President and CEO Gary Selmeczi reflects on Stan’s support and encouragement as he began his term as CEO, “Stan was always positive and encouraging. Even as his health declined over the years, he uplifted others with his good spirit.”

Peter Buchanan remembers, “Stan and I worked closely together to build residents’ confidence and commitment to the WCBR Foundation. He set an example for others to follow, was forthright in his dedication, yet remarkably humble about his leadership and extraordinary career.”

Marion lived a remarkably full life. She always looked for the good in everything, and found the best in everyone. Marion immigrated to the U.S., became a citizen, and attended George Washington University majoring in history. Her many books were riddled with notes and questions.

Marion established Charlottesville Albemarle Foundation for the Encouragement of the Arts (CHALFA), a nonprofit organization that enriched cultural life and provided musical, performing and visual arts programs in the city and county schools, and encouraged future performing artists and enthusiasts. Over the next 20 years, she brought world renowned artists including opera singers, Broadway actors, and others to Charlottesville.

WCBR resident Shelah Scott remembers, “She organized Saturday matinee bus trips to the Kennedy Center early in its existence” with the income from these efforts underwriting arts programs in the city and county schools.

Daughter Tiphanie remembers, “By the time my parents moved to WCBR, Mom had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Even though she no longer had an active role in promoting the arts, she never gave up the appreciation of them. WCBR had opportunities for them to enjoy musical performances in the Rotunda; and when we would visit in the early days she would take us to look at the flower arrangements and the art along the Gallery Walk. I know the programs that WCBR and the WCBR Foundation provides enrich the lives residents – like they enriched my parents’ lives.”

Stan and Marion’s generosity spanned nearly 20 years culminating in an extraordinary gift.

In 2007, they revised their resident contract to provide $100,000 of their WCBR entrance fee as a bequest to the WCBR Foundation. They knew leadership gifts, like theirs, are what the WCBR Foundation needed to ensure that vital programs would continue in perpetuity.

Because of leaders like the Nolans, indeed, the WCBR Foundation is strongly positioned. Stan and Marion had heart and have helped WCBR hit the high notes.