re: 80 years old - 100k

I hear what you are saying and fully agree, but if she wants to leave money for her kids then that is her preference. I'm sure she will feel better knowing she left them something.

OP, I second tying most of it in a CD - have her deduct $15,000 to cover her expenses for the next couple of years and tie the rest into CDs if she is looking for low-risk.