Memorial Trees for Irina Siward at CBG
Donation protected
Our mom was born in Minsk, Belarus in 1964 where she spent her childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. She had fond memories of visiting her grandparents in the countryside and picking mushrooms, berries, and her favorite, cherries. In 1989, Irina moved to Chicago and eventually settled in Wilmette, where she became a member and patron of her beloved Chicago Botanic Garden.
As her children, we've spent countless hours walking the paths at CBG with her and admiring the beautiful landscape. The most fitting way we could honor our Mama is with a tree dedicated to her so that she can be a part of the place she loved most and be visited by all those who loved her in life. Please help us raise the funds to help her spirit bloom among the flowers that will always remind us of her colorful warmth and caring nature.
Our mom wrote us a memoir book. She frequently brought up the profound impact that the Chicago Botanic Garden had on her life. Here are a few quotes that we'd like to share with you:
Q: What's a small decision you made that ended up having a big impact on your life?
"The only small decision I can think of is I went to Botanic Garden, I fell in love with it, and ended up being member there for almost 30 years."
Q: What is one of the best photographs you've ever taken?
"Well, my favorite place is Chicago Botanic Garden. I took a lot of beautiful pictures there of landscape, of animals, of flowers. And I love to take pictures of you guys, my babies."
Q: Describe one of your most memorable birthdays.
"...my favorite birthday celebration was when it was only close family, and we got my favorite food from "Father and son" and spent the whole day in a Botanic garden. It was a perfect day weatherwise, and I felt so serene, peaceful and full of love from my dearest people."
Fundraising team (2)
Leonard Colman
Organizer
Wilmette, IL
Juliana Siward
Team member