Estate gift benefits Meadow Brook Hall

Sometimes generosity is inspired by the small pleasures in life. For Lucille Cross it was walking the family dog on Meadow Brook Hall’s beautiful grounds and the kind staff she encountered along the way that moved her to donate $25,000 to the hall.

Lucille, who died at age 98, bequeathed the estate gift in her will. She discovered Meadow Brook Hall’s peaceful environment as a resident of Walton Woods, a senior development nearby.

“My mother and I would walk the dog on the Meadow Brook Hall grounds all the time. She felt it was very special to have such beautiful grounds across the street from her residence and that the staff was so kind to allow us to enjoy it,” explained Nancy Cross, Lucille’s daughter and a Lake Orion resident. “I was thrilled when she told me she wanted to leave an estate gift. I thought it was a great idea.”

“We’re honored by Lucille’s gift,” said Kim Zelinski, associate director of Meadow Brook Hall. “We enjoyed seeing them day after day. They were faithful to their routine, coming out even on the cold, snowy days. Often they organized a whole group of dog walkers and it was great to see a community of people enjoying the grounds together.”

Zelinski said the estate gift will help support the preservation fund and allow the hall to host community events and tours.