Post by title1parent on Aug 21, 2009 5:23:52 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1727112,6_5_NA21_CRONE_S1-090821.article
Lost teachers honored at Crone Memorial Garden
August 21, 2009
By JANE DONAHUE For The Sun
About 100 people gathered Wednesday morning on Naperville's south side for a "celebration of life" at Clifford Crone Middle School's Memorial Garden.
The dedication ceremony mixed laughter and tears as the school community remembered former teachers Maureen Drew-Brejcha and Tony Porcaro. Both Drew-Brejcha and Porcaro were staff members when Crone Middle School opened in 1997.
"I think the garden represents life, even though those honored in the garden are no longer living," said teacher Nancee Furlan, who founded the garden in 2005 and currently oversees its maintenance. "The garden celebrates their lives and how they impacted the school and the community."
Furlan created the Crone Memorial Garden as a way to honor students whose lives were cut short. The names of Will Anderson, Jovanni Clementi, Kevin Meyer and Jordan Webb line the garden path adjacent to the school entrance.
Drew-Brejcha and Porcaro are the first teachers to be added to the walkway.
Drew-Brejcha's children, Tricia Granato and Kevin Drew, thanked attendees for their support and kindness. Granato said the Crone staff was very important to her mom, who lost her battle with cancer in 2008.
"She formed so many deep, lasting friendships with her co-workers," said Granato, "and she deeply cared for her students. To see this garden -- it's such an honor. It means a lot to our family."
Carolyn Porcaro spoke about her husband Tony, who died in February of this year. Porcaro said being honored in the garden would have meant a great deal to him.
"Tony loved teaching and he loved his 'Cronies,'" Porcaro said. "I think it is great that he will be remembered here, in such a lovely place."
For Furlan, the garden she worked so hard to create is a place for family, friends and students to reflect.
"It's a reminder of how beautiful life is and that it should not be taken for granted," Furlan said. "It keeps things in perspective -- what is important in the world and what is trivial."
__________________
Very nice idea....
Lost teachers honored at Crone Memorial Garden
August 21, 2009
By JANE DONAHUE For The Sun
About 100 people gathered Wednesday morning on Naperville's south side for a "celebration of life" at Clifford Crone Middle School's Memorial Garden.
The dedication ceremony mixed laughter and tears as the school community remembered former teachers Maureen Drew-Brejcha and Tony Porcaro. Both Drew-Brejcha and Porcaro were staff members when Crone Middle School opened in 1997.
"I think the garden represents life, even though those honored in the garden are no longer living," said teacher Nancee Furlan, who founded the garden in 2005 and currently oversees its maintenance. "The garden celebrates their lives and how they impacted the school and the community."
Furlan created the Crone Memorial Garden as a way to honor students whose lives were cut short. The names of Will Anderson, Jovanni Clementi, Kevin Meyer and Jordan Webb line the garden path adjacent to the school entrance.
Drew-Brejcha and Porcaro are the first teachers to be added to the walkway.
Drew-Brejcha's children, Tricia Granato and Kevin Drew, thanked attendees for their support and kindness. Granato said the Crone staff was very important to her mom, who lost her battle with cancer in 2008.
"She formed so many deep, lasting friendships with her co-workers," said Granato, "and she deeply cared for her students. To see this garden -- it's such an honor. It means a lot to our family."
Carolyn Porcaro spoke about her husband Tony, who died in February of this year. Porcaro said being honored in the garden would have meant a great deal to him.
"Tony loved teaching and he loved his 'Cronies,'" Porcaro said. "I think it is great that he will be remembered here, in such a lovely place."
For Furlan, the garden she worked so hard to create is a place for family, friends and students to reflect.
"It's a reminder of how beautiful life is and that it should not be taken for granted," Furlan said. "It keeps things in perspective -- what is important in the world and what is trivial."
__________________
Very nice idea....