Written by Susan Stout (she/her) and Bob Crowley (he/him)
What makes someone leave a bequest for the Struthers Library Theatre in their will? The answers are probably as varied as the people who do so. Donors might include your neighbors, the people who sat next to you at the last Concert you attended, someone you pass on the street. Sometimes the Theatre, itself, is surprised by a bequest, as was the case with this newsletter’s Legacy Circle member. Only after Janice Carlson’s passing, when her estate was settled, did the Theatre (and other Warren County non-profits) learn about her legacy giving to the community. Janice’s bequest helped us reach our goals in the 135thAnniversary Capital Campaign.
Cathy Bertch, whom we interviewed for this testimonial, is the goddaughter of Janice Carlson’s parents. Cathy’s lifelong relationship with Janice was like that of an older sister. Cathy was a constant presence in the Carlson household.
The family homestead was located on Walnut Street in Warren. That house passed down three generations from Janice’s grandparents, to her parents, and then to Janice. She lived there her entire life. Janice never married or had children. Cathy was her closest friend.
An active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Janice worked for National Fuel Gas Company, retiring at age 55. She enjoyed many evenings of dining out with friends and then attending the Theatre to see a variety of performances. Struthers Library Theatre represented an excellent source of entertainment for Janice.
Janice took care of her parents as they got older and turned to Hospice for help with her father before he died. Cathy was named the executor for Janice’s will. According to Cathy, in addition to Struthers Library Theatre, Janice also made legacy gifts to Hospice of Warren County, Warren Public Library, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Cathy said that Janice was “old fashioned” and liked to see things authentically preserved. The Historic Struthers Library Theatre was a perfect fit for the legacy that Janice lovingly bequeathed to her hometown. Janice Carlson’s name is included in the Thomas Struthers Legacy Circle, joining others who have benefitted the Library Theatre with gifts from their estate.
Would you like to learn more about naming the Struthers Library Theatre in your will? Visit our web site’s GIVE page for more information; then call Executive Director, Karen Austin at 814-723-7231.