For all she gave in life, Ida Findley is still giving back to the community in death.

Findley of Butler, who died March 1, 2012, at the age of 87, chose to give her $1.7 million estate to civic organizations.

James Taylor, the executor of her estate, said most of the money has been distributed, but that the estate still is being finalized with the government.

“We’re still waiting for a couple of approvals,” Taylor said.

After her husband died in the mid-1990s, Findley was left with no close family. So, she chose to will her money to organizations that were close to her heart.

Taylor said this is what Findley was like in life, volunteering and serving on numerous boards.

“Very civic minded and socially conscious,” Taylor said.

Butler Memorial Hospital received the largest amount, about $360,000.

Findley was active with the hospital, having served on its board in the 1980s and 1990s and receiving the Butler Health System Women of Legacy Award.

Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of the Butler Health System, said the donation will allow the hospital to invest in education and health care facilities.

However, he said Findley’s most important contribution to the hospital was her time.

“Ida volunteered thousands of hours to BMH, doing anything that was asked,” DeFurio said. “She gave from the heart more than anything else, expecting nothing in return.”

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra got about $240,000. Findley served on its board from 1964 until her death.

Ed Wadding, president of the orchestra, said Findley regularly would underwrite entire concerts or would sponsor the brass section. He said her time on the board shaped the orchestra into what it is today.

“Through her donation, we can continue to share her love of music with our community and region. We truly miss her energy and enthusiasm,” Wadding said.

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cabot got $180,000.

Karyn Roenigk, business manager at the church, said that while this is not the largest donation ever received, it is close.

“This is probably the greatest surprise. We just had no idea,” Roenigk said.

She said that the money that Findley donated could be used to fund youth programs and adult education, as well as go for improvement projects, such as improving the church parking lot.

Findley was a longtime church member who served on the finance council and was a collection counter. Roenigk said that Findley was a simple woman who always was upbeat and encouraged volunteering.

“It was her way,” Roenigk said.

Additionally, Carnegie Mellon University is expected to get $160,000.

The Middlesex Presbyterian Church, the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company, the Maridon Museum, the Community Health Care Clinic of Butler County and the Ben Avon Volunteer Fire Company each will get about $80,000.

Taylor said he hopes that Findley’s donations set a good example for people in the community.

“Maybe it encourages others to be like minded,” Taylor said.

Leslie Osche, executive director of the United Way of Butler County, agreed, saying that she would like to see more philanthropy and volunteerism.

“She is an example of how communities truly sustain themselves,” Osche said of Findley, who also was the 1996 recipient of the Senior Distinguished Service Award from the Rotary Club of Butler and the Butler Eagle.

“She was really an example, an inspiration to all of us,” Osche said.