Upper Makefield Township plans to create a butterfly garden at Brownsburg Park to honor the memories of the seven victims who perished in last July’s flash flooding.
“On July 15 …. our community experienced a tragedy when seven innocent lives were lost in a violent flash flood. The outpouring of support from our community has made us proud and has been a tremendous comfort to their families. We will always remember the day and those families,” said Supervisor Tom Cino.
The planned Butterfly Garden at the township park along River Road (Route 32) is envisioned as a serene space for comfort and reflection with the families of the victims playing a role in its design and creation.
Officials will work with township committees as plans for the butterfly garden are developed this year.
“There will be opportunities for community support,” Cino said.
The butterfly garden will be created as a step in the community’s steps towards healing from the tragedy that gained national headlines.
The July 15, 2023 flash flooding led to the deaths of Enzo Depiero, a 78-year-old man from Newtown Township; Susan Barnhart, a 53-year-old woman from Titusville, New Jersey; Katheryn “Katie” Seley, a 32-year-old woman from Charleston, South Carolina; Yuko Love, a 64-year-old woman from Newtown Township; and Linda Depiero, a 74-year-old woman from Newtown Township. Seley’s children, Matilda “Mattie” Sheils, 2, and Conrad Sheils, 9 months, were also killed. Conrad’s remains were not located.
