Pittsburgh woman's dying wish to donate house left unfulfilled

Neighbors along Melvin Street in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh are seeking answers and assistance concerning the deteriorating condition of their neighbor Francine George's abandoned home, which has become a safety concern. 

George, a beloved resident known for her kindness, had expressed her dying wish for her home to be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to benefit children. However, since her passing, the property has fallen into disrepair, with the front porch displaying shutoff notices and the yard overgrown. Concern heightened when a burst pipe caused flooding inside the house, prompting multiple neighbors to contact the water company. The situation has sparked inquiries about the fate of properties when their owners pass away without anyone stepping in.

George had a will and named her son as executor, however, he died and it is not believed that George updated her will after his passing. Under Pennsylvania law, with no specific arrangements made as a backup, distant relatives become the heirs. In George's obituary the only named living relative was her brother, but attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

After discussions with George's initial attorney who drafted the will, he volunteered to become the executor of George's will, which would enable Make-A-Wish to fulfill the wish. Make-A-Wish expressed willingness to proceed. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of having a backup plan covered in a will and an executor from a younger generation.

For more information see Meghan Schiller “Pittsburgh woman’s dying wish to donate house left unfulfilled”, CBS News Pittsburgh, October 16, 2023.

Special thanks to Laura Galvan (Attorney, San Antonio, Texas) for bringing this article to my attention.