Remembering Bernice Flora and her special gift to Right to Life of Michigan

Bedridden the last five years of her life, Bernice Flora was dedicated to the prolife movement even when she could not physically be involved. A faithful servant of prolife issues all her life, she unselfishly chose to be a witness to truth in her final days - living what she believed.

Her younger brother, Carroll Helder of Grand Rapids said, "Bernice was not one who needed or wanted help. She needed and wanted to help others." And so it happened with her gift to Right to Life of Michigan through her trust - her generosity will do much to protect and defend innocent human life.

The second oldest of 12 children, Bernice Helder married Marion (Red) Flora and lived much of their married life in Kalamazoo. Bernice worked 49 years as an accountant with Associated Truck Line. She and her husband had one adopted son, Rolly, who died in 1986; Red in 1999.

Carroll remembers that when Bernice decided it was time to find an attorney and complete her estate plans, she made provisions to leave a portion of the trust to her grandchildren and the remainder to charity. She believed passionately that family was important. She also believed that providing for the charities she supported in her lifetime was equally important. "She knew that by giving to charity, she'd be helping others," Carroll recalled.

By naming Right to Life of Michigan in her trust, we wish to acknowledge that Bernice Flora has given us the gift of self in a very special way. She has left a legacy gift that will not soon be forgotten. She has provided crucial financial means to help continue our work today and into the future. She understood our mission, knew we needed her help and responded. We are very grateful and pleased to add Bernice Flora's name to the charter membership roster of the Right to Life of Michigan Heritage Circle.

Her name will appear on the Heritage Circle Donor Wall, to be installed in the Grand Rapids Central Office in the months to come, in recognition of her gift as a legacy to life. Bernice Flora has been a tremendous blessing to Right to Life of Michigan.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can provide for your family and Right to Life of Michigan in your will or trust, just call Kathy Crombie at (248) 552-3742

 

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