Tree planted in memory of Hanover Park parks employee

Friends of Joann Gwiasda gathered at Heritage Park in Hanover Park on Arbor Day, April 30 to honor her life with a memorial tree planting.

Gwiasda, 65, a Hanover Park resident and retired accounting clerk for the Hanover Park Park District, died of lung cancer in November.

The tree and the plaque beneath it was paid for by the "Flutter Kickers," a group of friends who for many years attended a water aerobics class in Streamwood together, and which Gwiasda was a member.

"She was a wonderful person and a great friend," said Renee Wall, a longtime co-worker and friend, who says Gwiasda was like a sister to her. "It was a little bit of a closure for her family. And it turned out to be a beautiful day."

During the ceremony, friends said the tree would pay tribute to Gwiasda, a courageous, energetic woman who touched the lives of many, loved to travel, and enjoyed the outdoors and national parks.

The poem, "Plant a Tree" by Lucy Larcom was read aloud, which included the line: "He who plants a tree, plants a hope."

"I knew this would be something very fitting for her," said Wall, a Hampshire resident. "We tried to make it uplifting, to celebrate her life."

Gwiasda worked for the park district for more than 20 years and retired about 10 years ago, but remained friendly with most of the staff.

Gwiasda is survived by her three children, and four grandchildren, including one that is on the way that she didn't know about, Wall said.