Helping Others in Perpetuity

Sue Matlof and son Greg

After Sue Matlof's husband, Michael, died, she knew she needed a plan for her finances. Fortunately, a 40-year career as a nurse, office worker, and part-owner of a computer software company left her well-versed in the importance of planning.

"I wanted to make sure I had enough money for me, and more importantly enough money for my son," she recalls.

After creating an investment strategy that she was confident in for their future, Sue was left with "a bucket of money that had a section for charitable giving." So, she selected various charities that they had worked with over the years, and later on decided that she would designate portions of her IRA and life insurance policies to each.

For the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Sue created an Annual Campaign/Lion of Judah Endowment, to ensure that her gift to the Annual Campaign would "live on" in perpetuity. Also through Federation, she created a separate endowment for JFS, formally known as Jewish Family & Children's Service, and Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, where she had worked and volunteered. Sue also remembered Congregation Shaare Emeth, which has honored her with the Harris Frank Community Service Award for her dedication and commitment to inclusiveness and overall service. Sue also made plans for Camp Rainbow, another organization near and dear to her.

"There are such great needs in our own community, especially now with COVID. The agencies, the temples, and other organizations all need assistance, and the money Federation raises helps make it a little easier for them."

Sue knows about the need. She has been actively involved in the Jewish community for many years, including as chair of Jewish Family Education's Crown Grants program.

Establishing funds is a natural extension of Sue's lifelong dedication to the Jewish Community.

"I've always wanted to help others. This is just who I am."