Mary Weerheim

Mary Weerheim

Mary Weerheim of Sacred Heart Parish in Emmett is the perfect example of the faithful Catholics who are part of the 1893 Catholic Legacy Society.

She taught in Emmett schools for 36 years while her husband, Harry, farmed. She and Harry, who passed away eight years ago, came to Idaho in 1950 after a hailstorm destroyed the crops on their South Dakota farm.

Mary, a parishioner now for 73 years at Sacred Heart Parish, continues to attend daily Mass where she serves as a lector and also attends Bible study. Mary wanted to leave behind much of her estate for improvements to her parish because, she says, the parish has given so much to her. “Many families helped build and support our church over the years. Now it’s my turn.”

Mary’s grandparents and parents, who lived through tough times including the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and World War II, taught Mary and her siblings—she was the oldest of 10—the “importance of saving and giving to God,” she said. She wants to help ensure that the Church, “which is always neat and clean,” as well as its parking lot and sidewalks are kept in good repair.

“Mary Weerheim is an example of the kind of people who support our Church and make up the Legacy Society,” said Margaret Hampton, development coordinator for the Diocese. “You don’t need to be wealthy or influential to leave behind a legacy that will benefit our Church for generations to come.”

When you join Mary by including the Idaho Catholic Church in your estate plan, you’ll be leaving a legacy that reflects your values and is aligned with your Catholic faith. To learn about beneficial ways you can make an impact, contact Margaret Hampton at (208) 342-1311, ext. 5139 or mhampton@rcdb.org.