Page 22 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 OBITUARIES Elvira R. (Tufo) Ragucci Important Legal Documents All Seniors Should Have Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of legal documents do I need to prepare to help my family after I’m gone? I would like to get my aff airs in order but could use some help. Dear Almost, Almost 75 All adults – especially seniors – should have at least four essential legal documents to protect yourself and your family. These documents will make sure your wishes regarding your estate are legal and clear and will help minimize any confl icts and confusion with your family and your health care providers if you become seriously ill or when you die. Here are the key documents you need, along with some tips to help you create them. Will: This document lets you spell out your wishes of how you’d like your property and assets distributed after you die, whether it’s to family, friends or a charity. It also allows you to designate an executor to ensure your wishes are carried out and allows you to name guardians if you have dependent children. In addition to a will, if you own real estate or have considerable assets, another option you may want to consider is a “revocable living trust.” This functions like a will but allows your estate to avoid the time and expense of probate (the public legal process that examines your estate after you die) and helps ensure your estate’s privacy. Durable Power of Attorney: This allows you to designate someone you trust to handle your fi nancial matters if you become incapacitated. Advanced Health Care Directive: This includes two documents that spell out your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment. The two documents are a “living will” which tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney” (or health care proxy), which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable. You should also consider making a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) as part of your advance directive, since advanced directives do little to protect you from unwanted emergency care like CPR. To create a DNR, ask your doctor to fi ll out a state appropriate form and sign it. Do-It-Yourself If you have a simple estate and an uncomplicated family situation, there are do-it-yourself resources that can help you create all these documents for very little money. Some options to consider include Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2020 software (available at Nolo.com) that costs $90 and works with Windows and Macs and is valid in every state except Louisiana. And LegalZoom.com, which off ers an estate plan with professional legal guidance with an independent attorney for $179. Get Help If, however, you want or need assistance or if you have a complicated fi nancial situation, blended family or have considerable assets, you should hire an attorney. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases – especially when writing a will or living trust – which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone. Costs will vary depending on where you reside, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for a basic estate plan that includes a will, power of attorney and advance directive. If you want your estate plan to include a living trust, that can run anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org) and the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC. org) are two good resources that have directories on their websites to help you fi nd someone in your area. If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (see www.FindLegalHelp.org) to fi nd low-cost legal help in your area. Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-677-1116 for a referral. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Of Everett on March 6, age 94. Beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Ragucci. Loving mother of Annette Teneriello and her husband Ralph of Reading, Patricia Hammond and her husband Andrew of Salem, NH., Lorraine Dondero of North Reading and the late Jo-Ann Green and her late husband Steve. Sister of Adeline Paoletta of Woburn and predeceased by seven siblings. Proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and one great great grandson. Lillian T. (Comeau) Randall may be made to the American Kidney Fund @ www.kidneyfund.org. Kathleen M. (Gibbons) Howes Jr. and Brianna. Also, survived by nieces and nephews. Margaret A. (Merchant) “Nana” Skane Of Reading, formerly Everett, age 47, suddenly on March 6. Beloved wife of Paul A. Howes. Loving mother of Allyson, Erin and Andrew. Daughter of Catherine (Mayo) Gibbons of Everett and the late Gerald. Sister of John and his wife Kimberly of Newburyport. Daughter-in-law of Grace B. Howes. Also survived by 4 nephews: Ryan, Eric, Christopher and Brady. Kathleen was a graduate of National Technical Institute for the Deaf located in Rochester, NY. In lieu of fl owers, donation in Kathleen’s memory may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101A 1st Ave, Waltham, MA 02451. Carmine Rocco Of Saugus, formerly Everett on March 8. Beloved wife of John Skane. Mother of the late Tiea R. and late John Jr. Loving grandmother to four grandchildren: Paige, Jonny, Nicolas and Brooke. Margaret was the eldest of eleven children of Albert and Mary Merchant. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. A Memorial Service at Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street, Everett on Monday, March 16. Visiting hours will be from 4 to 6 pm with complimentary parking. A Prayer Service will immediately follow in the funeral home at 6:30 pm. Interment will be private. Passed away in Revere on March 3, 2020, at 86 years. She was born in Everett and lived there most of her life. She is the beloved mother of Charles Randall, Paul Randall and his wife Cynthia, Nancy MacIntyre and her companion William Keefe. Loving sister of Agnes Doucette, Lorraine Cascci, and Jean McComiskey. Cherished grandmother of James, Paul, Brittany and her husband Ricky, Sabrina, Alec, Michael, and Katie. Dear aunt of Linda Humphries along with many other loving nieces, nephews, and friends. In Lillian’s memory, donations Of Everett on March 7 age 83. Born in Italy. Beloved husband of the late Deolinda. Loving father of Fatima Rocco of Bedford, NH and Robert Rocco and his wife Courtney of Everett. Brother of Carmelina Navarro of Everett and the late Lucia Fernandes. Proud grandfather to fi ve grandchildren: Michael, Joseph, Faith, Robert CASINO | FROM PAGE 10 We will implement any health directive or protocols these agencies issue.” In the coming days, health screening will be required for all patrons and employees. According to casino offi cials, anyone with a temperature above 100 degrees will be referred to one of the on-call doctors made available by the casino. In addition to using hand sanitizer, employees will also be required to stay home at the “fi rst sign of unwellness.” Cleaning procedures will also be bolstered throughout the resort with ATMs, slot machines and kiosks being sanitized on an hourly basis. In addition, items such as cards, dice and chips will be cleaned every four hours. Although Encore expects to keep its restaurants open, the casino’s health and food safety director will remain in contact with the city’s health inspector.
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