Extracts from Maria Montessori's Last Will and Testament

...I declare that it is my wish that Mario Montessori be the general executor of this my Will.

...with regard to my property, I declare that this belongs both materially and spiritually, to my son:

that is, to him belong by right not only the material goods of every kind or sort that I may eventually possess at any time of my life until the end; but to him belongs by right also, everything that may accrue from my social and intellectual works, either because they were inspired by him or because, from the time that he was able to act in the world, they were undertaken with his actual and constant collaboration, since he totally dedicated his life to helping me and my work.

Therefore he is the sole heir to my work, and the only one qualified to be entrusted with the safekeeping and preservation of my work; and thus the legitimate and rightful successor to the work that I have embarked upon and that I hope he may continue and successfully complete, for the benefit of that humanity that together we have loved, finding in our shared ideals and actions the highest solace of our lives.

So be it: and may his children bring him consolation; and may the world render him justice, according to his merits, which I know to be great and sublime.

Revoking all preceding Wills, I declare this to be my last and only valid Will.

I sign with my name.

And so may friends and all those who benefit from my work, feel their debt toward my son!...