The Parlee Family

The Parlee family name is synonymous with generosity in the Doylestown community and beyond. Joan and her late husband, Don Parlee, MD, began a six-decade-long involvement with Penn Medicine Doylestown Health when Don established his radiology practice at Doylestown Hospital. Since then, their generous giving has benefited countless patients and propelled growth across the health system.

Joan Bradley and Don Parlee met at Ursinus College when they were seated together in the dining hall as part of its custom of assigning seats during meals. “It was a great tradition at Ursinus,” said Joan. “You were encouraged to meet new people and forge new friendships, which are important life skills.” They found common ground over meals—they were both chemistry majors, sang in the college choir, and were genuinely interested in doing good in the world after they graduated. Over the course of their 68-year marriage, Don and Joan have given generously to causes dear to them, including health care, education, and nature conservation, embracing the ideals they shared when they met.

The Parlee’s affiliation with Penn Medicine Doylestown Health began when Don established his radiology practice at the hospital in 1965. Until Don’s passing in 2024, he and Joan were often found serving the community and the hospital in meaningful ways. Over the course of his 43-year career, he helped grow Doylestown Hospital’s radiology department from one physician to 20 and served as chief of the department for 25 years. According to Jim Brexler, CEO of Penn Medicine Doylestown Health, “our hospital would not be as strong as it is today without the partnership of people like Joan and Don Parlee. Don and his generation of colleagues set the standard of medical excellence that we still emulate. The Parlee’s dedication and support helped us realize our full potential and become part of a world-class health care organization as the newest member of Penn Medicine.”

As Don’s medical practice grew, Joan expanded her own portfolio of volunteer service while raising their four children. In her volunteer career, she served as President of the Bucks County Medical Auxiliary, Chair of the Medical Staff Auxiliary of Doylestown Hospital, and a member of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA) for 35 years, including a term as its president. She became Board Chair of Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Health Foundation in 2016, leading a new era of strategic growth and philanthropic investments through ONE VISION: The Campaign for Doylestown Health.

Artistic displays around the hospital campus feature names of major donors to the hospital’s historic and most transformative fundraising efforts. The Parlees are on all of them, representing their lifelong commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community. “It’s our hospital,” said Joan. “Don and I both felt it’s important to support it in any way we can.”

“It has been a joy to partner with volunteer leaders and donors like Joan and Don,” said Laura Wortman, Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer. “Their kindness and profound generosity come naturally. Giving to others is simply fundamental to who they are as individuals and as a family.”

In addition to their extensive personal and volunteer involvement— serving on committees and as lifetime members of Friends of the Heart Institute, to name a few—they have consistently made generous gifts to support the hospital’s highest priorities for the past 25 years. “We wanted to make it the best it could be, and make sure the doctors and nurses have what they need,” said Joan about their giving. “Don especially wanted to ensure that we supported advancements in radiology since it was his specialty.” With their membership in The Cornerstone Society, the Parlees also created a legacy of support for the future.

Upon the conclusion of her six-year term as Board Chair in 2022, the Boards of Trustees of Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Health Foundation established The Joan Parlee Chairman’s Award. The award recognizes Associates who demonstrate outstanding character, dedication, leadership, and service. “Joan sets an amazing example of service for us to follow,” said Laura Wortman. “Her enduring presence and leadership have helped shape our hospital, the broader community, and our shared future.”

In addition to being actively involved with her four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Joan maintains strong ties to both her alma mater and Penn Medicine Doylestown Health, continuing to support them generously. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to connect Joan and Don’s legacy and personal interests with one special project in particular—the Parlee Pathway,” said Laura Wortman.