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several parcels of real property, promissory notes, and
shares of stock in other corporations.
Mrs. Rapp managed the household budget and paid
household expenses. She did not take an active role in
either her husband's business or his investment activities.
The decedent put several investments and at least one
venture in his wife's name, but Mrs. Rapp played no active
role in their management. The decedent was satisfied with
Mrs. Rapp's management of their household expenses.
In 1972, Mrs. Rapp was involved in an automobile
accident. As a result of the accident, she was in a coma
for 8 days, and she spent a total of 5 months in the
hospital. The accident left her with poor vision and other
medical problems. After the accident, Mrs. Rapp often
complained about her physical limitations. She believed
that she would never again be able to work. The decedent
believed that the accident greatly affected his wife's
personality and was partially to blame for some of the
marital discord that the Rapps later suffered.
The decedent was not an attorney or an accountant.
In conducting his business affairs, he relied on the
advice of professionals. However, he attempted to become
knowledgeable about the legal and tax consequences of
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