Cobleskill hospital gets $600,000 bequest

The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
·2 min read

Oct. 30—Cobleskill Regional Hospital announced Monday that it has received its largest single gift, ever of more than $600,000.

According to a media release, the gift was a bequest from Lotte Kreppein, a longtime benefactor of the hospital. "This gift was in addition to a lifetime of her philanthropic support," the release said.

"We are profoundly grateful for Lotte Kreppein's belief in our mission and for her support in bringing world class healthcare to our rural communities," said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network.

"Lotte Kreppein was always an amazing advocate and benefactor for rural healthcare in the Cobleskill community. She was always generous in her donations to Cobleskill Regional Hospital throughout her life with the hope of supporting and increasing hospital-based medical services in a historically underserved population," said Dr. John S. Novak, Cobleskill Health Center division chief and longtime physician to Kreppein.

Steven Kroll, chair of the Cobleskill Regional Hospital Board of Trustees, said: "The generosity that Lotte Kreppein has shown will have a lasting impact on Cobleskill Regional Hospital and our community. This gift reminds us of her kind spirit and highlights the compassionate team at Cobleskill Regional Hospital that cared for Lotte. These funds will help us continue our caring mission for the people of Schoharie County and we are eternally grateful."

According to the release, Kreppein emigrated to the United States after World War II, settling in New York City. She retired to Jefferson and soon established herself as a benefactor of Cobleskill Regional Hospital. She was integral in supporting fundraising efforts for Cobleskill Regional Hospital, the release said.

"During her lifetime, she made it clear that she appreciated the care she received from Cobleskill Regional Hospital and Bassett Healthcare Network, specifically citing Cobleskill Primary Care and Bassett's departments of Cardiology, Orthopedics, and Surgery," the release said.

"Lotte Kreppein's life was a model of resiliency and stewardship. We appreciate her dedication to Cobleskill Regional hospital and continue to strive to improve healthcare in our community," Novak said.