Making A Will - It's Time - And It's OK To Talk About

During the beginning of the pandemic, at the end of March 2020, the topic of having a will, or estate plan, became serious. You probably have a will, but some people do not, Further, some married women I have come into contact with have thought that they did not need a will at all if they were married. Some married men have assumed that the will would be a joint document between the couple, yet who are two individuals.

Talking about a will is known to be hard, and people who have had parents pass away unexpectedly have spoken on the challenges of even locating the will. Maybe it’s buried beneath a marble tile in the sun-room, or maybe it’s under a floor board in the attic.

Transparency can help children know what to do to settle an estate, and it doesn’t need to be depressing, if parents lead the way by presenting it as preparation. During the writing of this article, and the scheduling of forcing myself to make a will, my own children were asking why I was talking about it. I let them know where to find the Death Binder of Passwords in my closet, which is 4” thick, and maybe it needs a new name, but will help them a lot when settling accounts when (if!) I die.

As a starting place when dealing with wills for this article, I started with family: my sister. She lived in Chicago at the time, and works for a law firm called Seyfarth Shaw, LLP as their Manager of Pro Bono & Philanthropy. She directed me to Caroline Manley, an Illinois-licensed attorney and the Executive Director at the Center for Disability & Elder Law in Chicago, IL.

Caroline answered a few questions about the basics in estate planning. Before diving in, you should know that Caroline includes this disclaimer: “This content for informational purposes only, and is not legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney licensed in their own state.”

Caroline takes it away below:

“Completing an estate plan is an important task. Like all legal matters, consulting with an attorney who is licensed in your state is very important. Laws differ between states, but the same basic concepts apply throughout the country.“

1. What happens if I do not have a will?

“Every state has intestate succession laws. These laws are the default rules for what happens if a person dies without an estate plan, and the laws have a hierarchy for who takes according to closest living relatives. Knowing your state's default plan is important, because it very well may NOT be who you would want to take, or might not be the best plan for you depending on your individual circumstances.”

2. Can't I just write a will myself?

“While most states allow you to write your own will without the assistance of an attorney, it is not recommended. Neither are online programs or templates where you will not get a plan that is specific to your individual circumstances. A lawyer will learn about your total assets and goals, and then explain the best estate planning tool. These tools may include a will, transfer on death instrument or deed, or trust. Having an experienced attorney help you is especially important for families with children under the age of 18 and for anyone who wants to leave their assets to a person with disabilities who receives, or is expected to need, public benefits.“

3. I'm especially worried about getting this taken care of because of COVID-19. Can I still find an attorney if I am under a shelter in place order?

“Yes! Most estate planning attorneys are small businesses or solo practitioners. You can get your estate plan completed AND help a small business. Attorneys can meet with you via phone or video conferencing in order to conduct your client interview. Once completed, the documents can be emailed to you for printing or sent in the mail. Your attorney will let you know specific requirements for how to execute the documents.”

Beacon City School District Superintendent (Grandfather To His Kids), Dr. Matt Landahl's Father Passes

On September 1, 2020, in between sending out correspondence to the Beacon school community about how the Beacon City School District will be opening an unprecedented hybrid learning program during the time of the pandemic, Beacon City School District Superintendent Matt Landahl shared via his Twitter that his father passed away.

Dr. Landahl, who prefers to be called Matt, has young children in the Beacon City School District, and is wearing both hats as a father and an educator. He stated in his message: “Rest in Power Paul Landahl. What an amazing dad, grandpa, and man! I feel so blessed to call him dad and can't believe he is gone. Our last conversation was about how he was so good at striking the balance between family and work. What a lovely man!”

Beacon's Long-Time Historian, Robert (Bob) J. Murphy, Passes From Cancer

Photo Credit: Diane Lapis

Last fall, Robert (Bob) J. Murphy was honored at the 2019 Beacon Historical Society’s Third Annual Beacons of History Awards, and by then, had retired his position of president of the Beacon Historical Society to longtime board member Diane Lapis. Bob Murphy had one of the deepest knowledge banks of Beacon in his mind, was usually surrounded by bound archives of newspapers and donated artifacts, is the author of two books about Beacon, and was the writer of the highly valuable monthly newsletter for members of the Beacon Historical Society.

On July 10, 2020, Bob Murphy passed away “after a courageous fight with cancer on July 10, 2020,” according to his sister, Diane Murphy, published on the Beacon Historical Society’s website.

Diane Lapis, president of the Beacon Historical Society, reflected on Bob’s many contributions to businesses, organizations and individuals who needed his connection points in a variety of projects in the July/August 2020 newsletter of the Beacon Historical Society:

“Without Bob, there wouldn’t be the strong sense of history that residents and visitors feel in this magnificent city of Beacon. Bob’s keen mind brought to the forefront the sense of time marching down Main Street, up Mt. Beacon and along the mighty Hudson. He did not discriminate in his topics of study and left no stone unturned. With a fresh eye and sharp wit, Bob examined social and cultural trends, religious institutions, schools, community organizations, buildings and monuments, and the people that built and made this city what it is today. His ability to ask questions, seek answers, and then write about it in a way that was engaging, eloquent, and humorous, made his readers always come back for more.

“Without Bob there would have been no books about the history of Beacon. Bob, alongside coauthor Denise VanBuren, wrote Historic Beacon and Beacon Revisited showcasing over 500 photographs and engaging stories of Beacon’s past. Both books guided us to understand and appreciate our local history. A third volume, a compilation of Bob’s written work, will be published by year’s end. Without Bob, there would have been no monthly newsletters or blogs, filled with articles sweeping the gamut of ideas and events over 300 years since our city’s founding.”

Bob’s obituary, written by his sister Diane Murphy, is published on the Beacon Historical Society’s website and elsewhere, is also here.

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Robert J. Murphy, son of the late Robert W. Murphy and Elizabeth Murphy, passed away after a courageous fight with cancer on July 10, 2020. Bob leaves behind five sisters, Barbara O’Leary, Beacon, Linda Murphy, Tivoli, Kathleen Zimmer, Queensbury, Maureen McInnis, South Glens Falls and Diane Murphy, Beacon. He was a wonderful uncle to fourteen nieces and nephews and all
their children.

A 1966 graduate of Beacon High School who earned his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and his Master’s Degree from the State University of New York at Albany, Bob served as president of the Beacon Historical Society (BHS) for 20 years (1998 – 2018). He wrote the popular BHS monthly newsletter for 38 years and co-authored two books, Historic Beacon and Beacon Revisited. He was working on his third book at the time of his death. He prepared dozens of presentations and contributed numerous articles about Beacon history throughout the decades. Bob was the recipient of the Dutchess County Historical Society’s prestigious “Dutchess Award,” recognizing his exceptional contributions as a local historian. In 2019 he was honored at the Beacon Historical Society’s Third Annual Beacons of History Awards.

He was an avid reader, writer, bread baker, photographer, gardener and woodworker. In his younger years, Bob was a talented baseball player and skater, who loved playing hockey beside his nephews. For the past 38 years, he and his sister, Diane, enjoyed daily walks and hikes to Mt. Beacon, Denning’s Point and other points around Beacon. He taught himself to develop negatives and made thousands of prints for the BHS archives.

A prolific gardener, he took pride in his tomato patch and more so in sharing his crop with friends and family. He was a self-taught carpenter and his benches, bookshelves and birds are scattered throughout the Valley. More recently, Bob’s carving resulted in a series of creative birds which he took pleasure in crafting
and sharing.

Bob and his great sense of humor and gentle, quiet ways will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.

Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Beacon Historical Society, PO Box 89, Beacon, NY 12508 or to St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist Church, 2 Oak Street, Beacon, NY 12508.

A private Mass of Christian Burial followed by burial at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon will be held. A memorial service is planned for the future.

To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.

During the pandemic, the Beacon Historical Society has stopped its regular in-person fundraising programming, which included ghost tours and visiting hours at the building on South Avenue which holds their collection. The society is still accepting donations of artifacts, as well as memberships and donations.

However, the society’s biggest fundraiser is still happening, albeit on Zoom, in November. And you have the opportunity to participate: The Beacon Historical Society is are holding their 4th Annual Beacons of History Award Fundraiser on November 5 at 7:00pm hosted on Zoom. They will be honoring the Alps Sweet Shop and the Coris Family (from Dutchess Manor). The Beacon Historical Society has already grown out of its new South Avenue location, and is seeking a Special Use Permit to move across town. Says Diane Lapis: “We will certainly need the extra money for moving and permits etc.”

Start your membership today (business or personal) or make a donation.

Very Much Loved Rita Lynn Baylis Spicer, Cashier At Key Food, Passes

Many of you knew Rita from Key Food Beacon, who was a caring cashier for many years who completed your day at Key Food. Our last interaction with her was just days before her passing when she offered to let our little one scan his snack out to check himself out. Rita was always caring like that. Always knew what the weather would be. Always could read the mood for the day.

Rita’s passing was sudden, and Key Food published words of loss for Rita on their Junior Zayed’s Instagram, and created a prayer note on the plastic dividers at checkout.

From Key Food:
”It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we must share the sad news of the sudden passing of our great friend and our loving sister Rita Baylis Spicer. She was a great cashier, a great coworker, a great friend and most importantly a great human being. Working at Key Food in Beacon for so many years, she was loved by all who worked with her through out the years and loved by the great community of Beacon. She became a friend to everyone who came to shop and she became one of our family members. Always greeting friends and customers with a wide big beautiful and unforgettable smile. We are still in shock and still in disbelief. Our thoughts and prayers are with her mom, sisters, daughters and all her family and loved ones. May you rest in paradise, WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!”

Stanley Lindwasser, Artist Who Lived In Beacon, Has Died At Age 73

Stanley Lindwasser

February 17, 1947-May 3, 2020
This obituary was written by Helen Crohn, Stanley’s wife.

Stanley (Stan) Lindwasser, a resident of Beacon for 4 years, died on May 3, 2020, in his home in Beacon, N.Y., of pulmonary fibrosis, with his wife and children nearby.

Stan was an extremely prolific painter for over 50 years; his last solo show was at Oak Vino in Beacon in 2019. His works, both large and small, were painted with acrylics on canvas. These works evoked in the viewer landscapes, sky, water, rocks, and mountains. He also showed locally with BeaconArts, and at the Rhinebeck Bank. Previously he exhibited at the Barrett Art Center and in SoHo, as well as Manhattan galleries and in New Jersey. Stan’s Artist Statement and career history are available at his website.

Stanley Lindwasser pictured in his artist studio, in preparation for Beacon Open Studios, 2019.
Photo Credit: Stanley Lindwasser

A native of Brooklyn, Stan lived there and in Forest Hills, N.Y., and Hoboken, N.J., until coming to the Hudson Valley with his wife, Helen Crohn. He loved the sunsets over the Hudson, the rock formations and the mountains surrounding the town, and used them for inspiration for his work and his peaceful surroundings. He loved collecting books and art objects from his travels.

Stan always said he wanted to continue painting as long as he was capable; he produced his last works in April 2020. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Aliza Benson, Jacob Lindwasser and Mike Lindwasser, and three grandchildren, Daniel, Joshua and Eden.

Editor’s Note

A personal note to Stanley’s obituary: I (Katie) first met Stanley when he walked into my office, formerly in the Telephone Building on Main Street, when it was under previous ownership. Stan was always so curious, and as he was out walking his dog, he came into the office to learn what it was all about.

Turns out, as a painter, he needed his website finished, and we do that at A Little Beacon Blog through the parent company, Katie James, Inc. I was given the pleasure of getting to know Stan and his wife Helen better through our client interactions. Helen, his biggest fan and manager, plugged him into Beacon with a feature in the Highlands Current, and the show at Oak Vino. When Stan’s artwork was on the walls there, it was one of the most warmly received exhibits.

Stan had a curious heart, and was always delighted by color, texture, people and opportunities. His painting started when he was a child, when he first dabbled in finger painting. I will miss him very much.

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The above paintings are selections of the many canvases completed by Stanley Lindwasser. View them all at his website.