In Re the Estate of Marshall

The personal representative of the estate of Winnifred Marshall appeals from an order awarding the assets of the estate to her adopted daughter as a pretermitted heir.

Winnifred Marshall and her husband adopted their adult niece Joann Alice Gaidosh in 1968. In February 1979, Winnifred Marshall prepared a will leaving all of her property to Douglas Woeppel, who had cared for her, stating:

I declare that I am widowed and have no children, natural or adopted. I reside at 16543 Stone Avenue North, Seattle, Washington. I have a niece, Joanne Gaidosh, who . . . resides in California.

Following Mrs.…