Marion, North Carolina, Receives Generous Gift from Philanthropist

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Exterior view of the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Marion, North Carolina.

News Summary

The city of Marion, North Carolina, has been blessed with a substantial estate gift from the late Susan Nanney Leffé, amounting to $405,000 for the Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund. This contribution reflects her deep commitment to the community and her faith. The gift aims to support the historic church’s ongoing needs, ensuring its legacy continues for future generations.

Marion, North Carolina, Receives Generous Gift from Local Philanthropist

The lovely city of Marion, North Carolina, has just received a heartwarming boost from the late local philanthropist Susan Nanney Leffé. Known for her deep faith and commitment to her community, Leffé was a cherished member of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville and Our Lady of the Angels Church in Marion. After her passing, her legacy has left a significant mark, most notably through a generous estate gift of $405,000 to support the Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund.

A Life of Service and Dedication

Leffé, who served as secretary and treasurer of Linville Caverns Inc., was not just a resident of Marion; she had a cozy condo in Asheville where she often spent her time. Her passion for her faith fueled her dedication to the churches she attended, and it’s evident that her love for them extended far beyond her lifetime. In 2001, she first expressed her intentions to leave a gift for the church, a testament to her commitment to her faith and the community.

Impact of the Estate Gift

The sale of her Asheville condo provided a remarkable $405,000 gift to the Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund, an essential resource that supports the general needs of this historic church. Established in 1905 and designed by the renowned architectural duo Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith—the very same architects behind the famous Biltmore House—the basilica is not only a center of faith but also a landmark of history and artistry.

The Purpose of the Endowment Fund

The Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining the church and its various initiatives. This permanent fund ensures that only the interest generated is spent, which makes the donations tax-deductible. The endowment is utilized for essential capital improvements, educational programs, charitable outreach, and the everyday operations that keep the parish thriving. Since its inception in 1997, the fund has been a backbone for supporting the parish’s needs.

A Community Awakening

Local leaders, including Monsignor Roger Arnsparger, the pastor and rector of the basilica, have expressed deep gratitude for Leffé’s generous estate gift. It serves as an extraordinary reminder of how one individual’s faith and commitment can lead to monumental benefits for the entire community. As Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director, noted, Leffé’s steadfast intention reflected her devotion to her faith and the church through strategic estate planning.

Inspiring Future Generosity

This inspiring story has sparked conversations within the community about the importance of planning for the future. Parishioners are encouraged to consider setting up or adding to an endowment that would benefit their own parish or Catholic school. There are several practical options for establishing an endowment: bequests in wills, retirement plan beneficiary designations, trusts, annuities, and even gifts of real estate and securities.

A Legacy of Faith and Community

Susan Nanney Leffé’s exceptional gift resonates with the values of giving and community spirit. It reminds us that thoughtful planning and love for one’s faith can create lasting impacts that extend well beyond our time with those we cherish. Her memory will surely continue to inspire future generations to support the beloved institutions that shape their lives.