A Bequest in Their Will to Support the Arboretum’s Future

Barbara Zigterman grew up in Chicago, while her husband William grew up in Denver. Married for 43 years, Barb and Bill now live in nearby Naperville and enjoy The Morton Arboretum often. “I love to hike the many trails,” Bill says. “I find it very relaxing.”

After her “first retirement” in 2001, Barb applied for a volunteer position at the Arboretum’s Visitor Center desk. “I am still volunteering at the Visitor Center desk but have also volunteered as a docent, a team leader, and an education class aid,” she says. In 2011 Barb expanded her Arboretum involvement by accepting a staff position as a tram driver. You can still find Barb actively driving the tram around the Arboretum.

To help make sure that the beauty of the Arboretum endures for future generations, Barb and Bill have included a bequest in their will to support the Arboretum’s future. “We support several nonprofit institutions,” Barb says. “This is the best way to divide our gift for each charity.”

Barb says that after leaving the corporate world, “the Arboretum opened my life to a kinder, greener, healthier, welcoming environment and way of life. I enjoy all of my volunteer jobs. We have the best staff. Every department I work with is full of knowledgeable, helpful, and kind employees.”

One of Barb’s favorite parts of her affiliation with the Arboretum is the annual volunteer recognition event where volunteers and guests exchange stories, enjoy each other’s company, and take time to relax and celebrate all that the volunteers accomplished that year.

The Zigtermans hope their gift will inspire others to consider the many giving opportunities that would allow them to create a legacy while also supporting the Arboretum’s future. “The Arboretum gives us both opportunities to renew, refresh, and yet remain local,” Barb concludes. “We want to be sure the Arboretum continues to offer this opportunity for others.”