The Law Office of Mary Beth Kelly

by Laura Breen Galante

Attorney Mary Beth Kelly enjoys supporting her community, especially when the cause is near and dear to her heart.

The Law Office of Mary Beth Kelly is a significant sponsor of the 10th annual Grand Living Park at Lake Mary 5K Fun Run/Walk, an event dedicated to raising awareness and support for the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC). The walk takes place this year on Saturday, April 5.

Being a sponsor for fundraising efforts of this kind is truly meaningful to Mary Beth. She supports Alzheimer’s research in particular because she lost her father to the disease more than a decade ago.

Mary Beth’s parents, Norman and Carol Lansverk, were both born and raised in North Dakota. They married when Carol was 18 and had four daughters. Their life together led them to Texas, where Norman worked for Enron Corporation in Houston, and then to Florida after he took an           early retirement.

In 2008, Norman was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and in  2010, his family moved him to a local memory care community. Sadly, Norman passed away  in March 2013. 

“It was a long time, a slow goodbye,” recalls Mary Beth.

Thanks to his power of attorney, Mary Beth was able to manage her parents’ affairs and oversee his care in the way that he wished. Mary Beth’s personal experience illustrates why it is important to think ahead and prepare health care and financial directives so that when the time comes, we do not face additional challenges. This is not catastrophizing – it is a practical approach to caring for those we love.

A living will, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, health care surrogate designation, anatomical donation, and HIPAA authorization are important legal forms that make decisions easier. Mary Beth knows this firsthand, having felt the gut-wrenching pain that comes with caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s. She knows that having the legal paperwork in order beforehand helps to ease the difficulties a caregiver will face. Her goal is to help others navigate these challenging situations a little easier.

Mary Beth’s legal expertise coupled with her personal experience helps put her clients at ease. She has been there and wants nothing more than to help her clients and their families prepare the best they can for potential life challenges.