LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – It was a day of honor and remembrance at Marimor Legacy Park and Playground.
The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its fourth annual Butterfly Memorial, which honors people who have passed away after receiving services from the board, as well as those who supported its mission. As part of the tribute, a butterfly release was held in their memory. This year, 39 new butterflies will be added to the garden as a way to recognize the impact each life had on the community.
“Butterflies are very representative of people with developmental disabilities and their experiences, really that growth into the community that people didn't always have, so we want to honor and recognize that, and we... A lot of these people... We've worked with them for entire lives, so our staff grow very close to them. It gives our staff some of that closure,” says Renee Kohler, Superintendent, Allen County Board of DD.
Over the past four years, including this year’s ceremony, 194 butterflies have been placed in the garden.
