Butterfly Garden to Memorialize Flood Victims

WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. -- Recall the tragic day last summer when a merciless storm unexpectedly ruptured here in Upper Makefield Township and stole seven innocent lives 9-monthss- to 78-years-old in an intolerable flash flood. Town folk today hope that in memory of the dreadful moment, hearts can heal.

Butterfly Garden at Brownsburg Park is to be created. And it’s hoped it will lead to a happier new year.

“As a way to honor the memories of the victims and provide a place for comfort and reflection, we are planning to create a Butterfly Garden at Brownsburg Park with the blessing, input and guidance from the families,” said Tom Cino, chairman, board of supervisors.

The site will memorialize those who died in the storm: Susan Barnhart, 53, of Titusville NJ; Kathryn Seley, 32, of Charleston SC; 2-year-old Mattie and 9-month-old Conrad Sheils, of Charlestown SC; Yuko Love, 64, of Newtown Township; , and Enzo, 78, and Linda DePiero, 74, of Newtown Township.

Upper Makefield Township officials recently set the project in motion.

“On July 15, our community experienced a tragedy – a tragedy when seven innocent lives were lost in a violent flash flood,” said Tom Cino, supervisor chairman. “The outpouring of support from our community has made us proud and has been a tremendous comfort to the families. We will always remember the day and those families.”

The butterfly garden at Brownsburg Park, 1455 River Rd., New Hope, will be established with input and assistance from the families, according to Cino. And with help, too, from the community.

“We know and understand this project is important to many of your,” he said when announcing the project at a recent public meeting. “And as plans progress, there will be opportunities for community support.”

The community was hurting, he said, after being stuck by a powerful storm that created emergencies widespread like that when fast-rising water stranded many motorists in the area of Stonebridge Crossing Road, between Aqueduct and Wrightstown roads.

And as the storm toll was tallied, sorrowful stores were learned about those who died – from Barnhart, a beloved Washington Crossing Post Office employee after whom Congress later named the Post Office, to Katie Seley, who died in the flooding with her 9-month- and 2-year-old children.

The butterfly garden, said Cino, will be a peaceful place to recall those lost and remember the day.

“We are in the very early stages and the project will soon be turned over to the Park and Recreation Board and the Environmental Advisory Council for development,” he said.

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A butterfly garden is planned to recall flood victims.Photo byAaron BurdenonUnsplash