May 25, 2021 (Rochester, NY) –   DePaul’s Remember Garden, located in Highland Park in Rochester, New York, recently received a complete makeover thanks to donations of supplies, materials, labor and time from a number of businesses and individuals.

Benches and pergolas at The Remember Garden were recently rebuilt thanks to a project led by Christa Construction President Mike Seaman, Vice President Gail Morelle and Project Executive Jay Weaver. Much appreciation to Lakeview Lawn and Landscaping, Inc. for providing the plantings and mulch, Tim Dewey of TMD Contracting for the installation, and Pat Clancy and Chuck Buscemi of Wm. B. Morse Lumber Co. for providing the materials. And thank you to volunteers from Bond, Schoeneck & King Law Firm who helped clean up The Remember Garden for the Rochester United Way’s Day of Caring!

“It is truly amazing to work with an organization like DePaul to help support their mission and be a part of the work they do to enhance the communities and the people in them,” said President of Lakeview Lawn and Landscaping, Inc. Rich Snook.

The garden is a living memorial to those who died while institutionalized over a century ago at the Monroe County Insane Asylum, Almshouse and Penitentiary, the approximately 700 unnamed graves that were discovered at Highland Park, and the strides that have been made to erase stigma surrounding mental illness.

“Throughout our lifetime, each and every one of us has contributed to our surroundings, big or small,” said Christa Vice President Gail Morelle. “It is vitally important to be aware of the value of human life, and The Remember Garden embraces that value. We are honored to work with DePaul on this important project because we believe in honoring all lives. The lives that have been forgotten, they matter.”

DePaul Community Services coordinated development, building, planting and maintenance of the garden. The Remember Garden appropriately marks the grave, lending dignity and respect to those buried there, while heightening community awareness to the site and the history of institutionalization.

“Thanks to the generosity, thoughtfulness and support of our community, The Remember Garden will continue to serve as a fitting tribute to the recognize those who were buried at this site,” said Vice President of DePaul Properties, Inc. Gillian Conde.

For more information on how to visit and support support The Remember Garden, please visit https://www.depaul.org/donate/remember-garden/.