Louise Robinson

Westminster Canterbury received a generous unrestricted planned gift from the late resident Louise A. Robinson through a transfer-on-death account at her stock brokerage.

Louise, a West Virginia native, moved to Washington, DC after college. She worked for the War Department, decoding top secret information during World War II, then enjoyed a 39-year career at The National Geographic Society, retiring as chief of the "clipping" department. This pre-internet service researched, filed and fed published information to staff members working worldwide. Very knowledgeable about world affairs, Louise traveled extensively in Europe, Africa, China and Tibet.

After researching other communities, Louise chose Westminster Canterbury Richmond, where for years she had visited her aunt, the late Helen O'Neill. She lived at Westminster Canterbury for eight years after moving from Washington, DC.

Louise quietly created legacies for favorite charitable causes. She chose a plan for Westminster Canterbury which was quickly accomplished, yet left her complete control and flexibility without involving her Will.

In 2010 she signed a transfer-on-death form from her stock broker. This authorized the broker to send the contents of one of her accounts to Westminster Canterbury Foundation immediately after her death.

Louise told Westminster Canterbury Foundation of her plans to help the community. However, she retained her privacy regarding the amount and kept the right to spend from or add to the account. She could change her investments or beneficiaries at any time.

We are extremely grateful to Louise for her generosity and example of practicality and ease in creating a legacy to benefit current and future residents in our community! By leaving her gift as unrestricted, Westminster Canterbury Foundation's Board of Trustees can allocate her generous bequest to the area where it is needed most.