THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 12, 2023 Page 19 Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group at Forestdale Park Senior Living M ay 30, 2023, 5:00 pm, at Forestdale Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 341 Forest Street, Malden. Our support group for caregivers meets in person at Forestdale Park. Dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia isn't easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you're going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. RSVP to 781OBITUARIES Annmarie (Zarella) Cormier Of Malden, a longtime resident. Passed away on Monday, May 8th, in Haverhill. Annmarie was born in 1948 in Aviano, Italy. She is the daughter of Vito and Carmella Zarella. She came to the US at and early age, and the family settled in Boston where she was raised and educated. She married her sweetheart, Robert J. “Bo” Cormier, and the two lived in Boston’s North End, before settling down in Malden in the 70’s where they raised their two boys. She enjoyed being part of her community. She was part of The PTA, coached sports teams, and enjoyed working as a banker and jeweler. Her and her husband shared many wonderful years together until Bo’s passing in 2017. She is survived by her sons, Robert A. Cormier, and Jason P. Cormier, her granddaughter Aviana, her daughter in law Heather Cormier, and step granddaughter Kassandra Harding. Funeral services will be held from the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St, Malden on Friday, May 12th, with visitation from 11 AM to 12 Noon, followed by a graveside service in Holy Cross Mausoleum, 175 Broadway, Malden. Romolo “Romeo” DiGiantommaso Of Malden, a lifelong resident. Passed away on May 8, 2023 at the age of 86. Romeo was the husband of the late Charlotte A. (Curley) DiGiantommaso. He was the loving father of Veronica O’Brien and her late husband James, Marjorie Vaccaro and her husband Robert and Dave DiGiantommaso and his wife Maria. Romeo was the dear brother of Anne Burns, Gloria Hudson, and the late Mary Steed, Helen Gaetani, Concetta O’Malley, Mildred Caporale, Edward, John, Thomas, Frank, Alfred, and Domenic DiGiantommaso, Teresa Bailey and Louise Spadafora. He was the cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours were held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, Malden on Thursday, May 11th followed by a service at the funeral home. Relatives and friends were invited to attend. Interment was in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden. Malden Public Library hosts networking program for people 50 years and older. 333-8903 or reception@forestdalepark.com. Forestdale Park Senior Living is a project of the nonprofi t Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years. aavvyvy S avy avvy S oiorenniioor nior by Jim Miller How to Prepare a Will Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to make my last will and testament and would like to know if I can do it myself, or do I need to hire a lawyer? Don’t Have Much Dear Don’t, Very good question! Almost everyone needs a will, but only around one-third of American have actually prepared one. Having a last will and testament is important because it ensures your money and property will be distributed to the people you want to receive it after your death. If you die without a will (a.k.a. dying “intestate”), your estate will be settled in accordance with state law. Details vary by state, but assets typically are distributed using a hierarchy of survivors i.e., fi rst to a spouse, then to children, then your siblings, and so on. You also need to be aware that certain accounts take precedence over a will. If you jointly own a home or a bank account, for example, the house, and the funds in the account, will go to the joint holder, even if your will directs otherwise. Similarly, retirement accounts and life insurance policies are distributed to the benefi ciaries you designate, so it is important to keep them up to date too. Do You Need a Lawyer? Not necessarily. Creating a will with a do-it-yourself software program may be acceptable in some cases, particularly if you have a simple, straightforward estate and an uncomplicated family situation. Otherwise, it’s best to seek professional advice. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases, which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone. If you need help fi nding someone the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org), the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC.org) and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC.org) websites are good resources that have online directories to help you search. Costs will vary depending on your location and the complexity of your situation, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $1,000 or more to get your will made. To help you save, shop around and get price quotes from several different fi rms. And before you meet with an attorney, make a detailed list of your assets and accounts to help make your visit more effi cient. If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (see FindLegalHelp.org) to fi nd low-cost legal help in your area. Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-677-1116 for a referral. If you are interested in a do-it-yourself will, some top options 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group info Sign up dates to consider are Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust (Nolo.com, $99) and Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com, $159). Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at FreeWill. com or DoYourOwnWill.com. It’s also recommended that if you do create your own will, have a lawyer review it to make sure it covers all the important bases. Where to Store it? Once your will is written, the best place to keep it is either in a fi reproof safe or fi le cabinet at home, in a safe deposit box in your bank or online at sites like Everplans.com. But make sure your executor knows where it is and has access to it. Or, if a professional prepares your will, keep the original document at your lawyer’s offi ce. Also, be sure to update your will if your family or fi nancial circumstances change, or if you move to another state. 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.
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