Premier Suburban Medical Group Dedicates Outdoor Garden to Former Silver Cross President/CEO Ruth Colby
Attending the Ruth Colby Memorial Garden dedication ceremony on July 25 include (from left): Dr. Robert Oliver; Don DeFrank, Ruth Colby’s husband; Dr. Refat Baridi; David Chodak, son of Ruth Colby; Michael Mutterer, President/CEO of Silver Cross Hospital; and Dr. Yogesh Tejpal.
In a moving dedication ceremony on July 25, Premier Suburban Medical Group (PSMG) in Orland Park named its outdoor garden and gathering space in honor of former Silver Cross Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Colby . The Ruth Colby Memorial Garden features an array of colorful flowers and shrubs, an elegant fountain, seating space and more.
Ruth Colby served as Silver Cross Hospital’s President and Chief Executive Officer from Oct. 1, 2017, until her untimely passing Oct. 15, 2023. Prior to that, she served as the hospital’s Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, beginning in 2005 until she assumed the role of President.
“In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we paid a visit to Ruth Colby and talked about the possibility of a collaboration,” said Dr. Refat Baridi , co-founder of PSMG. “Ruth was instrumental in bringing the new Orland Park Medical Pavilion to life, and her vision for the vibrant location can be seen in the building design as well as the pavilion’s full array of healthcare services. She wanted Silver Cross and Premier Suburban Medical Group to stand out on LaGrange Road.”
PSMG providers and staff, Silver Cross executives, including President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Mutterer, RN, MA, LCPC, CADC, LNHA , and Ruth’s husband Don DeFrank and son David Chodak took part in the July 25 dedication under perfect sunny skies. Colby loved to be outdoors and enjoyed spending time in her very own garden.
“Ruth would be in awe of this beautiful gathering space. And I know if she were still here with us, she would make a special point to visit often, mingling with each of you as you take a much-needed break from the important work you do,” said Mutterer during the dedication ceremony.
“As we all soak in the greenery, the flowers, the fountain and the wonderful escape this garden provides, we will remember Ruth’s warmth, her sunny personality, her sense of fun and most of all, her commitment to quality healthcare for everyone.”
For more information, visit silvercross.org or premiersuburban.com
