Jane Willard

Bequests-A Simple Way to Support the Charities You Cherish

Jane Willard, a Westminster Canterbury Richmond resident for 29 years, was an endearing lady known for speaking and acting with purpose. A Chicago-area native with a master's degree from Northwestern University's School of Music, Jane moved to faraway Richmond for her elementary school music teaching career "because they asked me." She helped introduce the study of harp in city schools. In the 60s she produced a weekly program called "Let's Make Music!" for schools' use on "educational TV."

After moving to Westminster Canterbury, Jane volunteered actively. She received a Laurel Award recognizing her volunteer contributions, such as serving as Secretary of the Residents' Association, playing the piano for varied events and many other activities.

Jane died in early 2013, months before her 101st birthday. Jane contributed annually to the Annual Fellowship Fund to assist neighbors unable to fully support themselves. Through a bequest she arranged 24 years ago, Jane's impact on others will continue through the Foundation's Jane B. Willard Fellowship Endowment.

In her Will, created in 1990 with an attorney's help, Jane planned specific bequests to loved ones if they should survive her. She outlived all of them. Jane's Will left percentages of her remaining estate to two charitable causes - Westminster Canterbury's Fellowship Endowment and Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church's music program.

Jane's generous legacy of Fellowship continues her support of a program that was so important to her during her lifetime. Her gift helps provide housing, meals and medical assistance for 10-12% of Westminster Canterbury's nearly 900 residents who have documented financial need. Her generosity lives on, helping maintain our promise of security and peace of mind for all residents who know they will never be asked to leave due to an inability to pay.

What do you want your legacy to be? Your bequest could support programming you love long after your lifetime! Call 804.264.6066 to learn more about this meaningful option.