A Joyful Way To Be Remembered
When Mary Jo began thinking about end-of-life plans for herself, she knew one thing for certain: a somber, traditional funeral wasn’t the way she wanted to be remembered. “I didn’t want to have a depressing, uncomfortable funeral,” she explains, adding “Other than having my ashes shot out of a gun, none of the usual options felt right.”
Friends suggested planting a tree in her memory but that didn’t resonate with her. Then, everything shifted with the passing of her husband, Russell. “He wasn’t supposed to go before me,” Mary Jo shares. “But I knew one thing—he was going to be with me, whether he liked it or not!” That’s when she discovered Better Place Forests and fell in love with the concept of a Memorial Tree.
“I wanted a memorial tree because it was different and not depressing.” -Mary Jo K., Rock River Memorial Forest, Illinois
Finding Their Forever Tree
When Mary Jo made an in-forest visit to Better Place Forests Rock River, she was struck by its breathtaking beauty. It didn’t take long for her to find the one. “I’d picked out two or three trees online beforehand to look at, but my kids and I didn’t get far. Jimmy, our Forest Guide, pointed to a Basswood tree, and I said, ‘That’s it!’ It was calling to me.”
Her kids were skeptical, wondering if she wanted to explore more trees. But Mary Jo insisted, “That’s where I want to be, and Dad will be there with me.” It was a perfect match. The tree had heart-shaped leaves and was situated right off a peaceful path. To Mary Jo, it felt like it was meant to be. “We used to have a boat and spend so much time on the lake and river. It was like bringing that piece of us back together along the Rock River.”
A Joyful Goodbye
Mary Jo’s vision for a celebration, not a traditional funeral, became a reality. Russell’s celebration of life was everything Mary Jo had hoped for. No tears or somber goodbyes—only laughter, memories, and joy. Her daughter played the flute, friends shared stories about Russell, and all celebrated the way he lived—with love and laughter. “The Forest Memorial was a joyful celebration—there was no crying,” shares Mary Jo. “The experience was beautiful and just what I was looking for.”
The Memorial Marker for Russell’s tree includes a poem by Michael Landon that described him perfectly: “He seized life with joy. He gave to life generously. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter.”
“The Forest Memorial was a joyful celebration—there was no crying. The experience was beautiful and just what I was looking for.” -Mary Jo K., Rock River Memorial Forest, Illinois
New Traditions, New Memories
Mary Jo has created a loving tradition around her and Russell’s Memorial Tree. She brings his old folding lawn chair—the same one he carried everywhere—and sits by the tree to feel close to him. “As I am sitting there talking to him, it feels like we are just at home. I imagine him telling me to ‘shut up’ like he did when I’d chat to him while he watched football,” she laughs. “Other times I bring needlework to do just like when we were hanging out at home. It’s perfect, it’s just so beautiful there.”
Build a Community
Mary Jo finds joy in visiting Russell at their Memorial Tree, especially during Rock River Memorial Forest’s community events like Oaktoberfest. “My husband’s favorite thing to do was people watch, and there’s no better way to honor him than connecting with others. Every time I come to Rock River Memorial Forest, I meet someone new. I love the community.”
Discover your own forever home among the trees and explore how Better Place Forests can provide a meaningful resting place for you and your loved ones.
