In Re Allen Estate

This case involves the construction and interpretation of the will of Frank P. Allen, deceased. Allen died in 1983, leaving an estate valued at over $4 million. His nieces, Lillian Quigley and Etta Marie Sanders, appeal as of right from a probate court order directing the executor of Allen’s estate to distribute certain lapsed devises to James Goodwin, Bruce Goodwin, Thomas Goodwin, David Goodwin, and Kathrine Putnam, grandnephews and grandniece of Allen. We reverse.

Allen’s will consisted of five "Items”. Item I provided for payment of the testator’s debts, various general expenses, and the…