Caregiver stole $304,000 from estate

When Katherine Majerus died at the age of 96 in January 2006, her obituary singled out caregiver Marilyn Fenderson for "very special thanks and prayers for always being there during all these years, and for the love and care she gave."

It wasn't until weeks later that an attorney working through Majerus' estate learned the care provider had withdrawn $304,000 from accounts the widow had intended to give to three nonprofit groups, Sonoma County authorities said.

Now Fenderson, 55, faces up to five years in prison after her conviction earlier this month on felony charges related to the theft, the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office said.

The Valley of the Moon Children's Home, Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County and Guide Dogs for the Blind have been left, meanwhile, without the $100,000-plus each they would have received had Majerus' wishes been carried out.

"Our senior community is entitled to vigorous protection from those who attempt to take advantage of their generosity and trust," District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua said. "It is sad that because of this defendant's greed, three wonderful organizations will not receive the funds that Ms. Majerus gifted to them in her will."

Fenderson, convicted Oct. 10 after her jury deliberated less than an hour, is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 18, the District Attorney's Office said. She remains on supervised release pending sentencing, Sonoma County Jail personnel said.

Authorities said Fenderson met Majerus after the death of the older woman's husband, Edward, and cared for her at Majerus' home on Earle Street in central Santa Rosa and later at Oakmont.

Her malfeasance came to light after Fenderson, who had power of attorney, refused several requests to turn over pertinent bank records to a probate attorney handling Majerus' estate, prompting a sheriff's investigation.

Three months after Majerus' death, Fenderson withdrew the $304,000 without informing the bank of her client's death and used $180,000 to make a down payment on a Larkfield home, authorities said.

Fenderson was not named in the will, the District Attorney's Office said. Majerus had no children.

Her house is now in foreclosure, the District Attorney's Office said.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat

.com.