National Estate Planning Awareness Week: Dorothy Wilson

Dorothy Ann Wilson loved her North Muskegon school and community. She graduated in 1965 after serving as homecoming queen and went on to become Miss Muskegon. She had a 30-year career in the cosmetic/fragrance industry, followed by a second career as a flight attendant with American Airlines. “All with just a high school education,” she said, which she equated to a college degree because North Muskegon High School was so strong. While she traveled for work and lived in other states, she was a “massive proponent of this little corner of the world” and was happy to retire here.  

When she turned 70 ½, Dorothy began giving charitably with her Required Minimum Distributions from her IRA. She proudly added to the Norse Education Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation each year and recently supported the Frauenthal Center Preservation Campaign as well. Working with her attorney, Adam Zuwerink of West Michigan Law, Dorothy also made plans for the majority of her estate to be given to the Norse fund. She loved to attend the Norse summer receptions and Community Foundation events, and she was a striking presence wherever she went.

Dorothy passed away in June, but her love of her community continues through the significant estate gift she’s left to support the students of North Muskegon – forever.

National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 17-23. This is the time to update your plans – contact our Development Team to learn more about leaving a legacy to support the community you love!