The story of Margie Berry of Miami, Florida (right) touched many of us at The HSUS. We are grateful for her support as well as for her letting us tell her Humane Legacy story. 

Dealing with the complications of a terminal illness, Margie contacted us in 2007 to tell us about a $100,000 bequest that she was planning for support of an array of our animal protection programs.

Working together with an HSUS development officer, Margie devised a gift that would target support to the specific programs closest to her heart. A longtime advocate for disadvantaged youth and an unwavering supporter of animal welfare and animal rights initiatives, she fashioned a legacy expressing some of her deepest concerns during her last days and throughout her lifetime. 

"I want so much to make a statement about the animals and people who are most important to me. I also wanted to provide support to programs that I know will truly help the needy and the suffering," Margie told us. "Knowing I will leave a legacy like this makes me feel better at a time that is, of course, very difficult."

Known among friends for her spirited sense of humor and animated laughter, Margie taught in Miami-Dade County schools from 1971 to 2006, when she retired after 35 years of helping elementary school students.

For more than three years, she has battled breast cancer. In May 2006, she received a diagnosis of acute leukemia just days after she celebrated her retirement. 

Comforting Margie are her two dogs, Pepper and Gracie, and an 18-year-old cat named Freckles, all of whom are animal shelter adoptees. In prior years, Margie volunteered for Adopt-a-Pet, fostered many animals and participated in many of the local humane organization's annual pet walks.

Taking into consideration all of her many concerns, Margie thoughtfully planned to leave one-third of her $100,000 gift to The HSUS' Kind News youth education program, another third to our Rural Area Veterinary Services spay/neuter program and the final third to wildlife protection.

"So many animals and so many children lead lives tinged with unnecessary obstacles or unpleasantness," Margie said. "I smile inside thinking that my legacy can bring some happiness or relief to someone who desperately needs it."

Margie's estate plans also call for a substantial bequest to her church to support programs for migrant workers and disadvantaged youth. Her generosity will create an endowment fund for a college scholarship and the church's youth orchestra.

Posted Feb. 20, 2007