Secretary Leaves $8.2 Million to Charity | Procino-Wells and Woodland

Relatives of a former secretary were surprised to learn that she had quietly built up a fortune over the years and left most of it to charity.

Sylvia Bloom went to work at a small Wall Street law firm as a legal secretary when she was a young woman. She stayed with the firm for 67 years and retired at the age of 96. She passed away in 2016.

Bloom began working at the firm when it was common for secretaries to purchase investments for their employers. Lawyers would tell Bloom what they wanted to invest in. Her job was to make the purchase with the broker. However, Bloom also did something unusual.

She used some of her own money; she also made smaller purchases for herself, under the assumption that if the lawyers thought something was a good investment, it was probably good enough for her as well. Bloom was not wrong, as The New York Times reported in "96-Year-Old Secretary Quietly Amasses Fortune, Then Donates $8.2 Million."{: target="_blank"}

After Bloom passed away, the executrix of her estate discovered that Bloom had $9 million spread over several brokerage accounts. Bloom's last will left some of that money to her family. However, more than $8.2 million was designated to go to charities for scholarships to needy students of the executrix's choosing. As with many similar stories of people who lived frugally and donated large amounts of money to charity in their wills, Bloom's friends and family had no idea that she was wealthy.

Reference: New York Times (May 6, 2018) "96-Year-Old Secretary Quietly Amasses Fortune, Then Donates $8.2 Million."{: target="_blank"}

10/10, would recommend to all friends and family!

My experience with Procino-Wells & Woodland was excellent. I contacted them after losing both of my parents in a very short time. Their help and guidance made my job as Executor of the Estate much easier to understand as I have never had any experience handling matters like this. They helped our family navigate a very stressful time and we really appreciate it.

Erin Steele was wonderful. Explained everything either by email or phone. Always available or returned phone calls or emails in a timely manner. My mother received 37 hours from Medicaid. With this we hope to be able to keep her in her own home for a while longer. Thank you Erin for all your work!

It was a complete pleasure working with your team of professionals. The decisions we had to make regarding our mother last summer was difficult for our family. Your group was sympathetic and understanding while at the same time, getting the job done with accuracy and in a timely fashion. Your team also demonstrated the highest standard of communicating with your clients and with that, moving the process along smoothly. I particularly appreciated the quick responses to our questions or concerns. Thank you so much for your kindness and professionalism.

Not only is everyone at Procino-Wells & Woodland sensitive to my needs but they are all the epitome of professionalism. They are good listeners and make the fears and trepidation of legal maze easy to navigate.

No improvements necessary! Everyone was kind, friendly & professional. The law firm I worked for in Jersey could take some tips from you! Thank you for caring and giving me the help and advice I needed!

Michele's representation was exceptional! She understood our concerns and desires and developed a clear path to our satisfaction. All of this was done in a friendly, professional manner. Her entire staff was exceptional! Our experience with Michele has provided us with peace of mind. Many thanks!

We were very pleased with Michele Procino-Wells, and all her staff, and would highly recommend Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC to all of our family and friends. Everyone made us feel very comfortable. It was very easy to talk to them. We are thankful for them all.

We are extremely grateful for the expert advice that we received from Erin Steele and Michele! Mom is being well cared for and her finances are secure. We could not have done this without your help!

This process was made easier for us because of the thorough coverage of every aspect of the overwhelming task of wills, trusts, etc. We feel all the details are now taken care of and we don't have to be concerned. Our daughters have the assurance that 'when the time comes' everything is in order and one call to PWW will get the ball rolling. The Estate Planning Portfolio is a valuable tool for us.

Everything went very smoothly and was explained thoroughly by Amber. She was such a pleasure to work with. If we ever need your services in the future we will definitely be coming back. We had, what we thought was, a valid Trust prepared for us in 2009 in Montgomery County, MD, only to find out it was not valid. Amber went the extra mile to explain various items out to us and it made the transaction flawless. Couldn't be happier!

Everything went like clock work! Excellent job by all involved--very professional office and staff, and the cookies were great! Thanks again Amber, for making a "hard" job "easy".

Communication was open and easy, and everything was explained so clearly. We especially appreciated the promptness of returning emails and phone calls.

Ken and I were pleased with how personable everyone we worked with was. Everything was explained very carefully. The spiral notebook that we received with all its information will prove to be very helpful.

What I like the most was everything was explained to me where I understood it. It wasn't legal mumbo jumbo! Every person I encountered should have their picture in the dictionary next to the word NICE! Thank you so much.

It has been a little more than a year now since our Mom passed and we believe everything is finally settled. Jim and I just wanted to thank you for the very professional manner in which you led us through this process. As you are very aware, Delaware has become a very busy retirement area, thus an aging population. There is a great need for high quality, trained personnel in geriatric care and support. You certainly meet that criteria. Keep up the good work!

You all seem to be a very well oiled firm. You were able to quickly & cost-efficiently address my legal concerns. It was a pleasure to work with you, and I will certainly recommend your firm in the futures as well as see your assistance for future matters.

Your counsel helped us to clarify in our minds some family situations; since we are a uniquely blended family. We sincerely thank you for helping us to establish a trust that benefits us and our children.

I was treated with courtesy and respect by each and every employee I was in contact with.

Being part of the senior population and over the years consulting with other attorneys--it was a pleasure to meet and work with Amber, she was in my estimation a lawyer you could have complete confidence and trust.

Amber was great, easy to talk to, and very efficient and above our expectations. Greatly appreciated, she was friendly and courteous and patient with us throughout the speedy process. Thanks.

Both attorney and staff were professional, friendly and caring. They made the estate planning process – ordinarily an uncomfortable one – pleasant and reassuring. We will highly recommend this firm to others.

I met with Amber a very short time after my husband passed. She was compassionate and very helpful in identifying my needs. I felt like I made a friend.

Every member of the staff, from the front desk to the attorney, treated us with kindness, professionalism and courtesy. Fantastic operation.

Everyone we worked with was absolutely amazing! The level of patience, understanding and compassion of your entire team is second to none! We are so thankful to all of you for helping us understand the process and helping us reach our end goal quickly.

We are very satisfied and also grateful for the insights and guidance from the whole staff with whom we worked. We are relieved to have found help in planning critical issues and understanding of our situation-- not a "cookie cutter" procedure.

PW&W Law provided professional and courteous service for our estate and special needs trust needs.

I have utilized PW&W for my legal needs for over 10 years now. The services rendered by your firm are done so consistently with the highest degree of professionalism & always with an intimate personal touch. For my needs, there is no other law firm... period. Thank you so much.

I felt comfortable and confident with Amber and all of the staff members with whom I dealt with. They all were courteous, competent and willing to make sure I understood things, and patient with my questions.

The one "all inclusive price" for our Estate/Trust planning was a great way for the client to actually know what the cost of services would be. There were "no surprises" in cost. We were grateful we knew what finances we needed to have upfront.

We had a great experience with the PWW team when preparing our Trust documents. They are professional, knowledgeable, responsive and we felt very comfortable asking questions and knowing they would be answered in a way we would understand.

Extremely competent & fair. Very calming atmosphere.

We were very pleased with Amber's preparation of our revocable trust and her patience in answering our many questions. Also pleased with Laura Riddle's effort to work with us in retitling our various accounts, some of which required her expertise in talking with bank trust officers.

You were able to take what was initially an overwhelming experience and break it down into manageable and understandable parts, which for a lay person is very important. I feel comfortable and confident that my affairs are in order.

Procino-Wells & Woodland made dealing with my wife's illness much easier for me. We appreciate everything they did for us.

I was more than satisfied with my experience with your firm. Everyone from Erin to Amber Woodland was friendly, eager to assist me with all my questions and concerns, totally professional at all times. I will definitely recommend PW&W to anyone needing legal assistance.

I want to especially compliment Jessica Whaley on all her help. She did a wonderful job. Thank you so much.

I found all staff very professional, knowledgeable and courteous. I was made very comfortable while handling a difficult task. I also appreciated their ability to explain all that I did not understand even after careful reading!

We have been very impressed with Danielle Marvel and her expertise with asset protection. She has been a true blessing to our situation. Her knowledge has eased our concerns throughout the entire process. It is certainly comforting to have her answer our questions and direct our decisions. We know we are in great hands. Thank you!

Thank you so very much! Greatly appreciate your support! Everyone was so professional and very approachable to discuss any matters concerning our estate planning.

Honestly, it was ALL good - steady communication about the process, and the updates re: progress; empathy with the challenges; realistic managing of expectations with timelines, etc. - and again, Danielle Marvel was SUPERB. Thank you all!

I am sure we all can improve but I find it difficult to see how y'all could. Perfection personified!!

We felt Amber provided personal attention to all our needs and most of all was able to explain all parts of our documents that we originally did not necessarily understand. Amber is an excellent communicator.

I'd like to recognize the excellent communication we have had over these past four years with everyone at PWW. Both phone calls and emails were answered within an hour or two at the most.

I want to express my true appreciation for the professional people I worked with in settling my father's estate. I also want to especially thank Karen Hurley. Not only is she professional, I feel she went above and beyond to be available and answer all of my questions. She was clear and concise, explaining things in terms I could understand. Thank you and your team for seeing me through.

I am a Power of Attorney for my father who is in assisted living and on Medicaid. Danielle Marvel was wonderful to work with. She is very knowledgeable about the Medicaid process and the Miller Trust. She also set up a Caregiver Agreement and Log Sheet for me. I was very impressed with her wealth of knowledge.

Danielle was always available to answer emails & questions in a timely manner. Being a nurse in a new position with limited vacation time, the firm was flexible with appointments & tasks that I had to do as the Power of Attorney.

Michele and her staff were exceptional in helping me with my estate plan. They made the process flow very smoothly and professionally. Michele made sure I understood my options and gave me practical advice to guide my decisions. I highly recommend her.

I am 90 and had not planned to do a trust for myself or my family. I am so thankful I chose to complete a trust. Amber Woodland was a huge help and answered my questions and made me feel at ease. So thankful for the experience.

Without the legal consultation me & my wife would have no idea about the planning for our special needs son. We really got good help from this office.

The process was made simple and everyone was very helpful. Emails were sent promptly for questions we had.

The warmth and personal concern of the staff is comforting and reassuring plus all questions are answered thoroughly and concisely.

All appointments were good and even with the pandemic we were able to communicate through video. All staff I fully trust with my wishes and concerns.

Danielle Marvel was excellent to work with, first class.

Thank you very much for taking such great care of my needs, and being kind and understanding while doing such.

Danielle Marvel <3 I do not know if I could have survived this past year without the support and advice from Danielle. This past year was extremely stressful and traumatic and Danielle did all she could to lighten our load.

No concerns. The entire staff is knowledgeable and courteous. Any concerns are addressed immediately in a professional manner. Locations (office) are clean and inviting.

Working with your firm - any specifically, Danielle - has bene a wonderful experience. Everyone from my initial induction interview - all the way through applying for Veterans Aid & Attendance have been professional, courteous and so amazingly patient (thank you Danielle). I would, and have, recommended your firm for Estate, Will & Trust planning.

Everyone we have interacted with either in person or on the phone has been polite, helpful, knowledgeable and very responsive to our questions, concerns & needs. You have guided and educated us every step of the way. We are very grateful!

You understood my need and you were able to fill it in as timely a manner as possible. Always quick to respond to communication.

As a new resident in Delaware, I needed to change my trust. PWW was recommended, highly, to me and I was not disappointed. All the young ladies were courteous, kind and knowledgeable. Their time was my time. Many questions were answered promptly and professionally. Loved the all women firm!!

Excellent follow-up support throughout the process. Greatly appreciate the follow-up Zoom presentation provided by Mrs. Woodland for our benefactors.

I would like to thank Michele Procino-Wells and the entire team at PWW Law for guiding me through the administration of my parents' trusts. I had no experience at being a Trustee, but Michele and the staff were with me every step of the way! She gave me excellent referrals to an accounting firm for tax preparation and to an appraiser to evaluate my parents' home and property. As a result of my experience with PWW Law, my husband and I had them update our wills and accompanying documents, and establish our Joint Trust. I highly recommend PWW Law!

Everyone made us feel very comfortable from the minute we came in. Everything was explained and questions were always answered. Great overall experience.

Michele simplified our very complicated estate and trust matters. Michele's attention to detail is exceptional and because of our experience with her, we know our assets are well protected and we have complete peace of mind.

We felt very relaxed and not rushed at all. All of our questions were explained respectfully and patiently. Things were handled promptly and everyone that we dealt with went above and beyond to help. We felt comfortable throughout the whole process. P.S. - and we got cookies, haha!

Danielle Marvel was extremely helpful and great to work with. We started the Medicaid process during the pandemic after my father had a bad fall and was unable to live alone and had to go to a nursing home. Danielle was very knowledgeable about the Medicaid process and super responsive and a pleasure to work with.

After moving from MD to DE, we had our Trust and Wills redone to DE requirements. I recently had the documents updated after the passing of my husband. At no time during any of my contacts with this firm did I ever have an unanswered question. Very knowledgeable, courteous and professional.

PWW did our family a big service planning for our parents long-term care. Our investment in your services saved our family hundreds of thousands of dollars which would have otherwise gone to the nursing home.

The process used to inform, contact and to complete the legal work was outstanding. Professionalism was evident from the beginning. We would not hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone.

Follow up on retitling of assets was very professional.

I was very pleased with the services I received. The expertise and professionalism shown to me was terrific.

Michele Procino-Wells at Procino-Wells & Woodland has extensive experience in all aspects of elder law (wills, trusts, medical issues, and structuring assets to avoid expending everything to qualify for Medicaid). She has an intense interest in the situation and specific needs of her clients. Michele can help with any situation; particularly if her client has a complicated estate, a blended family or specific wishes for bequests. As an attorney, I can attest to the firm’s professionalism, expertise, and reasonable and fair charges for all its work.

After my husband passed away, my family and I had no idea what probate consisted of. We had a Will and only had one marriage, and I still didn't know there were two accounts with no beneficiaries. PWW Law helped us go through the process efficiently.

Kind and courteous office staff. Seamless process. Comfortable office.

We love that you are an all woman business. It is one of the main reasons we felt comfortable going to you. We never felt like we were being talked down to by asking questions about a subject we are not familiar with. As a same sex couple we were always treated with respect. Everyone throughout the whole process was professional and so great to work with.

I definitely recommend PWW Law for estate planning. Amber was very thorough with explanations, and the whole process was very informative.

Michele is familiar with what we needed. She is very knowledgeable on the issues involving my mother, her home, money and care. All the staff are very helpful and nice.

There is nothing I can say that could have been done differently....Every aspect of the firm was great!!!

The experience at this law firm was excellent would recommend them to anyone looking for fair price & great client service. All of our questions and concerns were taken seriously and answered promptly. Thank you!

I especially enjoyed working with Emily Banning and Michelle. All of my concerns were carefully explained and addressed promptly. I also appreciated the firm’s follow up with the County in transferring my real estate to my trust.

Everyone was so thorough, compassionate, and helpful - thank you so much!

<p>I want to thank the staff at Procino-Wells & Woodland for their assistance in setting up my estate planning documents. It was a process I'm glad I didn't have to take on by myself. I feel I am totally covered in all aspects of my needs and things are well documented for my family going forward. It's great peace of mind and I am thankful for your help and assistance in this process.</p>

Join the List