Every family has a story. They’re told through the memories we make with loved ones, the lessons we pass on, and the values we let guide us. October is a special month. Leaves bursting with color mark the transition of a new season, and pumpkin spice returns to your favorite coffee shop menu. In addition to these cherished signs of fall, October is also Family History Month and National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 20 – 26)—the perfect time to reflect on our family story and how we want it to be told generation after generation.

Madonna Marie W. made the decision to entrust CMMB with part of her family story by leaving our mission in her will. CMMB is an honored steward of Madonna’s story and legacy, defined by 94 years spent with her “best friend and love of her life,” Walter, on their family farm in Minnesota and later in their home in Missouri, as well as by her faith and the community she built. Through Madonna’s generosity, there are many more chapters to be written.

“She was a kind, caring person who was dedicated to her faith, her community, and passionate about food insecurity, the health and safety of women and children, adoption, and international health initiatives,” said Merri H., Successor Trustee.

Madonna’s legacy will bring healthcare closer to home for communities in some of the hardest-to-reach parts of the world. Our gratitude is immeasurable.

Estate planning isn’t just about finances. It’s about preserving what matters most: your values, your faith, and the causes you care about. CMMB partners with FreeWill to provide free and easy-to-use estate planning tools. By planning ahead, you can author your family story—and even build a legacy that can help others write theirs.

Here are a few ways to celebrate your family’s story this week:

1) Get together with your loved ones and share your favorite family memories. Have any photos? Share them on social media and tag CMMB so that we can celebrate too!

2) Write a list of the charitable causes you care deeply about. Ask your loved ones to do the same, then share why you are passionate about them.

3) Explore our estate planning resources. You can start your will using a simple digital tool in just 20 minutes! Or, if you don’t know where to start but want to learn more, contact our dedicated planned giving expert, Nancy Smith, for personalized guidance.

4) Plan a fun fall activity to cap off Family History Month and National Estate Planning Awareness Week. You can’t go wrong with leaf peeping, apple picking, or indulging in an apple cider donut!