Around these parts, the Milgard name graces a lot more than windows. Carol Berry Milgard is a big part of the reason why.

The Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation that Carol helped establish bore her late husband’s name, but she helped lend it vision and drive, serving as president until her death last week at the age of 70.

She and Gary created the foundation after selling the company he had founded and turned into the largest window-manufacturing business on the West Coast.

Carol’s love for children has guided much of the foundation’s work. Boys & Girls Club centers in Lakewood and Tacoma’s South End, an emergency room expansion at Tacoma General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, a child development center at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and an elementary school at Charles Wright Academy all have benefited from the family’s giving.

Milgard’s passion for community service was meant to be infectious. One of her proudest accomplishments was establishing a community outreach program at the family business that encourages employees to be involved in the needs of the community.

Gary and Carol Milgard made quite a mark on this community while they were alive. Their legacy of generosity ensures that their influence continues to be felt even now that they both are gone.