AMBOY – Through a cooperative agreement between Sauk Valley Community College and the University of Illinois Extension/Lee County Master Gardeners, a garden located behind the Amboy Depot Museum has been named in the honor of Marilyn Braida.

“It’s a nice tribute to my mother’s hard work in the community,” said her daughter, Bonnie Braida at the naming ceremony on Monday, Sept. 2. “The Depot Museum and all of the community activities were something that meant a lot to her. It meant a lot to her to be involved in the community and to do things to help out in Amboy and the area. She lived here since the 1960s; this was her home.

“I thank everyone who took the time to do this. Honoring someone like this shows a lot of how people care about each other in a small community.”

Marilyn Braida was a lifelong volunteer in Amboy in many aspects and in all scenarios.

She passed away on March 6, 2023 at the age of 87.

“It’s really nice to see her get some recognition. My dad, James Braida (passed away in 2018), was a principal at the school and got a lot of recognition, while she was always kind of in the backlight,” said son, Perry Braida. “She didn’t mind because she didn’t like the limelight, but she’d like and appreciate this. She’d be honored and we’re honored.

“She liked to volunteer around town and do different things for the church and the community. She was always there to serve for when someone needed her for something.”

The planting of the garden was done by students at Teen Turf under the supervision of the Lee County Master Gardeners.

Joining Bonnie and Perry Braida at the ceremony were Depot Commission members Kevin Chandler, Sandy Draper, Molly Haseman, Peggy Horstman, and Lee County Master Gardeners Karen Stenzel and Darla Emmert.