Some gifts take years to come full circle. The charitable remainder trust that Frances Medley created is one of those rare legacies — a testament to the power of planning, love and generosity passed from one generation to the next.
It began in the 1990s, when Frances Medley, an only child with a heart full of care, took steps to ensure her daughter, Jane Matson, would have the financial security that she had as she grew older. Frances, who passed away in 2001, knew she wanted to create something lasting—not just financial stability for Jane but a foundation of love and purpose that would endure long after she was gone.
Francis’s gift provided for Jane’s future. And as time went on, Jane carried that trust forward, embodying her mother’s compassion and turning that original act of care into something even greater.
Jane Matson, who passed away last year, was loved by all who met her. Like her mother, she was an only child—but she filled her life with friendships that felt like family. She had an unmatched gift for connection, always making “new best friends” wherever she went. Jane was the kind of person who would reach out to help others without hesitation or simply offer a smile or kind word to brighten their day.
Whether greeting newcomers at church, playing cards with longtime friends, or even dancing the night away at her 80th birthday party, she never missed a chance to celebrate life with those around her.
That zest for life and deep desire to share life’s joy fit so perfectly with the intent of her mother’s charitable remainder trust, which provided financial support for Jane while she was living and then did what Jane did every day of her life—help others. That’s because when someone creates a charitable remainder trust, they not only have the chance to help the people they love for a lifetime but also, after that, the charities that mean the most to them.
For Frances Medley’s trust, those charities were chosen as a way for the family to pay it forward. Both Frances and Jane had watched Jane’s daughter, Cathie Muschany, and son-in-law, Rob Muschany, dedicate their lives to helping others—Cathie through her work as a lecturer at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Rob through his service as the director of development at Missouri Girls Town. It made perfect sense to include Missouri Girls Town as a recipient—transforming a charitable trust that began as an act of love between a mother and daughter into a lasting source of good for the broader community.
Like so many planned gifts, this charitable trust is so much more than a financial gift. It is a story of generations bound by love, purpose and a joy in living that helps others do the same. Their story reminds us that planned giving isn’t just about leaving money — it’s about leaving meaning.
By including charitable giving in their plans, Frances and Jane ensured their love would live on in ways that make a difference. Their legacy encourages all of us to think about how we might do the same — to plan ahead, give with intention and trust that our compassion can continue to shape the world long after we’re gone.
At Missouri Girls Town, we are deeply grateful to so many individuals and families like Frances and Jane, whose generosity strengthens our mission and creates brighter futures for the girls we serve. Each family story is a beautiful reminder that through thoughtful planning, we all have the power to leave a legacy of love. If you would like to learn more about how to include Missouri Girls Town in your estate plans, we would be honored to help you begin that conversation.
