`Queen of Mean' bequeaths pet a fortune but leaves two of her grandchildren empty-handed

Aug 30, 2007 04:30 AM
NEW YORK–Real estate billionaire Leona Helmsley left $12 million (U.S.) in her will to her dog Trouble but didn't toss even a bone to two of her four grandchildren.

Helmsley, the "Queen of Mean" who was once quoted as saying "only the little people pay taxes," died Aug. 20 at the age of 87.

Her 14-page will was made public in Surrogate's Court Tuesday and reported in New York media yesterday, with the New York Post headlining the story, "Rich bitch," referring to Trouble, an eight-year-old white female Maltese.

Trouble, which once appeared in ads for the Helmsley Hotels and lived up to its name by biting a housekeeper, will be cared for by Helmsley's brother Alvin Rosenthal, who was left $10 million.

Two grandchildren, David and Walter Panzirer, will be left $10 million each as long as they visit their father's grave at least once a year; they will lose half if they don't. Helmsley's son, Jay Panzirer, died in 1982. Her chauffeur will receive $100,000.

"I have not made any provisions in this will for my grandson Craig Panzirer or my granddaughter Meegan Panzirer for reasons which are known to them," Helmsley wrote.

The will calls for Trouble to be entombed alongside Helmsley and husband Harry Helmsley, who died in 1997, in their $1.4 million mausoleum in Westchester County, N.Y.

The mausoleum, she ordered, must be "washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year." She left behind $3 million for its upkeep.

Helmsley was convicted of evading $1.7 million in taxes in 1989 and served 18 months in federal prison.

Much of her estimated $4 billion fortune is tied up in Helmsley Enterprises, which will be controlled by five people, Walter and David Panzirer, Rosenthal, Helmsley's lawyer and a Helmsley adviser, the Post reported.

Everything else, including the Helmsleys' residences and belongings, reported to be worth billions, she ordered sold and the proceeds given to a charitable trust.