Catherine Francis

Catherine’s love of Northern Michigan, and Charlevoix in particular, spans her lifetime. She remembers spending time at her grandparents’ Torch Lake cottage and coming to Charlevoix to watch the boats in Round Lake or get ice cream at the Dairy Queen. Her parents bought a retirement home in Norwood, and her love of Charlevoix continued with visits during all four seasons. When Catherine herself retired in 1992 she knew just where she wanted to be: she and her parents bought a lovely home in downtown Charlevoix. “I love all the natural beauty here, but I also love the community! No matter where you go, you are apt to see someone you know or meet someone you want to know. The opportunities here are great for sports, the arts, and continuous learning.”

Being an active participant in her community is important to her and she believes that “when you love something or somewhere, you hope to be in a position to also try and make it even better.” Between reading and playing bridge, she finds time to help her neighbors and volunteer where needed - living by the belief that giving always comes back to you.

When she started thinking about her own legacy, Catherine felt fortunate to discover the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. After meeting with Foundation staff, she learned that through a planned gift in her will, she could direct her giving priorities now to make sure they are carried out in the future. By designating a gift to C3F in her will, she made a plan to support the Community Endowment.

“Knowing that my gift, when combined with the giving of others, will make a bigger impact than anything I could do alone gives me great joy. When we all join together as one, we are capable of so much more.” With her gift to the Community Endowment, Catherine’s legacy will support the greatest needs and opportunities in the community, even as they change over time. “The largest charitable gift I will ever make will be the one I leave after I am gone. I feel secure knowing that the Community Foundation will make sure it will support needs right here at home – forever.”

What will your legacy be?  Learn more about how to leave a legacy through the Community Foundation.