It’s summertime and Pauline Grenier can’t stop smiling. Each day she goes outside to the patio at the St. Mary’s Residences and sits in ‘her’ rocking chair. “I like getting outside on the patio because I can see everything going on and I get to meet new people,” says Pauline.
This lovely patio wasn’t always available to our seniors at the residences. It was made possible thanks to one person, Cecile Tardif Fortini. Cecile passed away in 2014 and included a bequest gift to St. Mary’s in her will.
Cecile had lived at St. Mary’s Residences for over 16 years. During her time here as a resident, neighbor and friend, she was very active and involved at St. Mary’s and within the community. The Residences was her home and her neighbors became her family. She regularly gave small gifts to St. Mary’s and would have been amazed to learn the huge impact her bequest gift has had!
When Cecile’s attorney was asked why Cecile wanted to remember St. Mary’s Residences in her will, he responded that “she wanted to help her friends and neighbors to be more comfortable and to make things nicer for them.”
Cecile Tardif
And because of this, Pauline, and all of the seniors at the Residences can now enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Cecile’s gift transformed the outdoor experience with the addition of a patio, furniture, flowers and canopy on the front walkway. Though Cecile is missed, her memory lives on through her exceptional generosity.
August is National Make-a-Will Month and now is the perfect time to review your final wishes. When you’re making or updating your will, I hope you’ll consider a gift to St. Mary’s. One sentence in your will can make a lifetime of difference for your neighbors: I give and bequeath to St. Mary’s Health System located at 93 Campus Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240 ___ percent OR the sum of $______ from my estate; OR all the rest, residue, or remainder of my estate. This gift may be used where needed most or for XXX program.
Even if you prefer that your gift be anonymous, we would love to know of your decision to include St. Mary’s in your will so that we can thank you and honor your intention. To learn more about making a gift in your estate plans to St. Mary’s visit our Legacy Society webpage, fill out our online form, or contact Deb Anthoine, executive director of philanthropy, at danthoine@stmarysmaine.com or 207.777.8828.