Memorial garden dedicated for architect Drexel Yeager MERIDEN, CT (08-04-2007) - Family, colleagues and friends of Drexel Yeager joined the Franciscan Sisters and Brothers in dedicating a memorial garden in his memory, a tribute to the creative genius he exemplified as master architect of the Franciscan Life Center and Chiara Center. Drexel Yeager died in 2005. The garden is located on a slope facing west on the Franciscan Life Center campus.
Through the garden is a series of limestone pillars from Kansas, donated by Drexel's brother. The pillars are planted in a straight line that, if followed across the miles, would end up in Drexel's hometown in Kansas. At the end of the second section is a gingko tree which was planted during the ceremony. Drexel's favorite tree, the gingko is a symbol of long life and memories. It is also known as "grandfather and grandson tree" since the tree does not bear seeds until it is quite old. A tree planted by a man will be useful to his grandson.
Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Mother General, Mrs. Janice Yeager, Drexel's son Drex, and Drexel's daughter Laria Powers all shared memories of Drexel. The Franciscan Community opened and closed the dedication ceremony with song.
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Alan Lagocki, Mr.
Yeager's former business partner and chief designer of the garden, explained
the
unique
features
of the
garden which was carefully planned with Janice Yeager, Drexel's wife.
The garden is framed by two half-circle stone walls. The first section
(at right in the photo above) expresses
Drexel's life in Kansas where he was raised and educated. The featured
plants are wheat grass and sunflowers. The second section represents
his life in Connecticut and includes various native plants and shrubs.
During the ceremony, Drexel's brother, son
and grandson planted the gingko tree with the assistance of Brother
Leo Maneri,
FBE, master of ceremonies for the occasion.
