Still, when she retired, she returned to our community and the Lake Michigan woods she loved -- keeping active by volunteering at the Charlevoix Library, and working out at the community pool.
When it was time to update her estate plan, Ethel talked to her attorney about doing something philanthropic. The idea of giving close to home, rather than to a large, national charity appealed to her, and when she heard about the community foundation, she liked what she learned.
"There are so many local programs worthy of support," Ethel said, "and the community foundation offers so many options." Ethel decided to establish a donor advised fund, and the foundation helped by handling the transfer of appreciated stock and handling all the paperwork. Soon after, Ethel began to help distribute grants from that fund -- helping kids take lessons at the community pool, and expanding educational programs in the Ellsworth school.
When Ethel died in 2003, her estate plan provided generously for the fund she established, designating the Charlevoix Library, Ellsworth Schools, Charlevoix Area Community Pool, and environmental concerns as her charities of choice. Now, this world traveler will continue to make waves, right here in her home community. Best of all, her love of learning will carry on in future generations of local children.
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