Long-time IFAW supporter Sharon Hertz chose to leave a bequest to IFAW in her will. Here, her daughter, Kathy Hertz, reflects on her mother’s deep love for animals, her generosity, and the legacy she leaves behind.
“My mom lived a big life. She was compassionate, loyal, and deeply appreciative of beauty in all its forms. She moved through the world with curiosity, courage, and an adventurous spirit, traveling extensively on her own and embracing new experiences with remarkable fearlessness.
Her love for animals was one of the clearest expressions of who she was. Their welfare mattered deeply to her, and she believed strongly in standing up for those who could not speak for themselves. She supported many animal charities around the world, always wanting to help protect vulnerable animals wherever they were. She also lent her voice to advocacy efforts closer to home, including pushing for stronger protections for Central Park carriage horses.
From dogs on the street and in shelters to elephants in Africa, her love for animals was vast and unmistakable. There was hardly an animal she did not want to meet, learn about, or connect with. Her home was filled with animal art and photographs, and her own dogs meant everything to her and she would have done anything for them.
When I learned that my mom had included a bequest to IFAW in her will, it felt entirely consistent with the way she lived and what mattered most to her. I felt proud that this was something she chose to do, and honored, as her executor, to carry out her wishes and help make that final gift possible. It also carries deep personal meaning for me, because a love for animals and concern for their welfare is something we shared.
Above all, I believe my mother would want to be remembered for making a difference in the lives of animals. She always wanted to do more, to contribute, and to leave the world better than she found it. It brings me comfort to imagine how proud she would be to know that, through this gift, her compassion will continue to make a difference.”