Philanthropist Maddy Corson was honored for her outstanding commitment to the community by Northern Light’s Mercy Hospital at an event on Oct. 29 where she was awarded posthumously the Forsley Award. From left, Judy Forsley, Fred Forsley, Margo Walsh, Ben Corson (accepting the award on behalf of his mom), Joe Minard, Melissa Skahan, and hospital President Charlie Therrien. Contributed / Mercy Hospital

Mercy Hospital posthumously bestowed on philanthropist Maddy Corson its award recognizing outstanding community support.

The annual Forsley Award is named in honor of longtime Gary’s House champion, Fred Forsley. It recognizes a remarkable leader and advocate who works to make the Greater Portland community better for all, with a special focus on neighbors in need. On Oct. 29, Northern Light Mercy Hospital posthumously honored Corson with this year’s award, according to a press release from the hospital.

Corson, a philanthropist and former Guy Gannett Communications board chair, died on April 28. She served as honorary co-chair of Mercy’s Fore River II capital campaign and helped raise the funds necessary to complete the hospital’s recent expansion. In addition to her commitment to Mercy, Corson was a strong advocate for the arts and human rights, actively supporting the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, founding the Institute for Family-Owned Business, and fundraising for numerous Maine and national nonprofits.

At the recognition event, co-hosts Fred Forsley and Margo Walsh, 2022 Forsley Award recipient and MaineWorks founder, shared personal stories of the tremendous impact Corson had on their lives and how her generosity, commitment and counsel helped thousands of people in Maine and beyond.

“Maddy was a wonderful friend who provided me guidance and helped open doors to advance Mercy’s mission. She was remarkable in every way and part of the greatest generation who constantly gave back to their communities,” said Charlie Therrien, Mercy Hospital president. “Maddy left a lasting mark at Mercy, and she will be remembered for her tremendous compassion, humor, and love. It’s an honor to celebrate her and pay tribute to her incredible legacy of helping others.”