Mary Janvrin and Natalie Janvrin Wiggins Fund for Birds, Other Animals, and Nature
The Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) received an early 20th anniversary gift in 2017 with news that the nonprofit organization will be the recipient of an $8 million bequest from the trust of the late Mary Janvrin. Ms. Janvrin and her pre-deceased sister 
Natalie Janvrin Wiggins lived quiet lives in Old Lyme. They shared a life-long love of all nature, particularly birds, as well as the arts and history. Mary later resided in Chester and continued to enjoy the beauty of the region until her passing in September 2016. At that time her trust set into motion the establishment of a fund at CFMC. The CFMC bequest established the “Mary Janvrin and Natalie Janvrin Wiggins Fund for Birds, Other Animals, and Nature,” as specified by Mary, and will celebrate numerous and creative possibilities honoring the sisters’ passions.
“Mary loved to talk about the birding trips that her father took her on as a young girl and which inspired her life-long passion. Her yard always had bird feeders, and it was fascinating to hear her talk about the special songs and habits of the different species. She also painted and sketched birds and carved wooden miniatures,” reflected Attorney Suzanne Kitchings of Kitchings & Potter. “It was indeed a pleasure to help Mary plan for the creation of the funds at two local community foundations. We are confident in their abilities to carry out the wishes of Mary and Natalie to support birds, other animals and nature in the region in perpetuity.”
CFMC President and CEO Cynthia Clegg noted, “It is indeed a great honor to be given the responsibility of ensuring that Mary’s and Natalie’s life passions are supported now and forever, and to be one of the chosen facilitators. We look forward to finding many ways to maximize the community impact of their profound legacy. What a wonderful gift to everyone in our region. “
To date, CFMC’s environmental grant making has supported many programs, whether it be ones that bring urban youth into the woods for the first time, or ones that help community coalitions organize to preserve their environment. The Community Foundation’s support for environmental efforts emphasizes the relationship between people and nature, with education and empowerment as a focus of its holistic approach to environmental work. “We must consider how we live in this world together and preserve the environment of our region,” added Cynthia Clegg.
Moira Martin, Senior Vice President of the Essex Savings Bank Trust Department, executor of the Janvrin estate, stated, “Having worked with Mary, we know that she was proud to be able to leave a lasting legacy for the wildlife, lands and people in the region that was home to her and Natalie. As a community bank, we are gratified to be able to work with like-minded organizations such as the Community Foundation of Middlesex County to help Mary and Natalie’s passion for bird and environmental conservation benefit our communities for years to come.”