Legacy for Laurel

Elaine “Lainie” Grasselli Hadden '49

Vivacious and visionary, Laine Grasselli Hadden was a force to be reckoned with and known throughout Cleveland for her intelligence, quick wit, and captivating public speaking ability. Lainie was often thought of as Cleveland’s premiere lobbyist. As a prominent civic leader and philanthropist, Lainie never stopped working for the causes she held dear as evidenced by the number of leadership positions she held over her lifetime.

In addition to serving on the boards of Case Western Reserve University and The United Way of Greater Cleveland, she served as President of the Hanna Perkins School, the Cleveland Center of Research and Child Development, The Junior League of Cleveland, Inc., and Playhouse Square Association. Perhaps most notably, Lainie was instrumental in the revitalization of Playhouse Square Center—without Lainie, there would be no State, Ohio or Palace Theaters today.

To Laurel’s great good fortune, the school held a special place in Lainie’s heart, and she was a dedicated and generous alumna. In 1986, Lainie received Laurel’s Distinguished Alumna Award for her outstanding and influential work in the volunteer sector.

Lainie loved her time at Laurel and cherished the friendships she made both as a student and later through her volunteer service. When Lainie passed away in September 2019, her great generosity to Laurel continued with a Legacy for Laurel estate gift that supported not only the annual Laurel Fund, but also the Laurel Cares Fund, which helped current Laurel families impacted during the pandemic who needed unexpected tuition assistance. A portion of her bequest also was directed to capital projects to enhance “these dear walls” that Lainie cherished.

Membership in Legacy for Laurel is extended to all alumnae, parents, parents of alumnae, faculty and friends who make a provision in their estate plans to benefit the School.

Elaine “Lainie” Grasselli Hadden '49

For more information about joining Legacy for Laurel contact Maegan Ruhlman Cross ‘03, Director of Development, at mCross@LaurelSchool.org or 216.455.3031.