Thiberville, a small, picturesque village in Normandy, is buzzing with excitement after inheriting a whopping €10 million
(€10 million is equivalent to approximately $10,412,370 USD)
Roger Thiberville, a retired meteorologist from Paris, left the fortune to the village simply because it shared his last name. (Talk about being a namesake jackpot!)
When news of the inheritance broke, the 1,800 residents of Thiberville thought it was a joke. “We were in disbelief,” said Mayor Guy Paris. “I mean, how often does this happen? Never. That’s how often.” But disbelief quickly turned into amazement when lawyers confirmed the windfall.
Who Was Roger Thiberville?
Roger lived a quiet, modest life in Paris, despite owning several valuable properties. The fortune he left behind came from a combination of family inheritances and years of careful management. With no heirs of his own, Roger decided to bestow his wealth on Thiberville, purely because of their shared name. (We’ll bet the neighboring towns are checking their Rolodexes for long-lost benefactors.)
What’s the Plan for the Dough?
For a village with an annual budget far smaller than the inheritance, the money is nothing short of transformative. Here’s how Thiberville plans to put the funds to good use:
1. Paying Off Debt: The village will clear a €400,000 debt from building a new primary school. (Time to breathe easy, taxpayers!)
(€400,000 is equivalent to approximately $411,796 USD)
2. Community Upgrades: Plans include a public park, a football pitch, a new fire station, and a care home for the elderly.
3. Preservation Projects: Renovations to the church roof and other historical landmarks are also on the list. (Can’t forget the charm that put Thiberville on the map in the first place!)
Honoring the Generous Stranger
Roger’s ashes will find their resting place in the village cemetery, fulfilling his final wish to have a connection with the community he never got to visit. The villagers also plan to erect a memorial in his honor, featuring symbols of the sun and clouds to nod to his career in meteorology.
A Legacy to Remember
It’s not every day that a small village hits the inheritance lottery, and Thiberville is making sure Roger’s generosity leaves a lasting legacy. Between the public improvements and the sense of unity it’s inspired, the village is set to thrive for generations to come.
As one local resident put it, “We thought we were dreaming. Now we just hope someone else out there with our name decides to do the same!”
Buddy’s Take:
“A man gives €10 million,($10,824,166.00 million dollars)to a village he’s never been to? That’s next-level generosity—or maybe he just REALLY liked the idea of Thiberville-themed merch. Either way, we should all start Googling towns with our last names—just in case!”
