Lisa’s Roses keep memory alive, bring smiles to many in area
By Lauren Parker-Gill, Staff Writer, The Times
A rainbow of 11,000 roses, all waiting to put smiles on peoples’ faces in memory of Lisa DePedro.
COATESVILLE — 11,000 roses were cleaned, cut and waiting for customers at the Coatesville Flower Shop Friday, the day of Lisa’s Roses. Each year, Greg and Dorrie DePedro give away dozens of roses to every person who enters their store, in honor of their daughter Lisa, who died from a rare form of lung cancer August 23, 2004 at the age of 30.
When their daughter was first diagnosed in March 2004, they were overwhelmed by the support of their family and friends, with offers to cook meals, clean their house and attend chemotherapy treatments. With so many people willing to help, Greg and Dorrie asked Lisa if there was anything she needed or wanted. She told her parents to ask family and friends to do something nice for someone, in her name.
The DePedros with City Police Lt. James Audette, outside of the Coatesville Flower Shop for Lisa’s Roses.
As the first anniversary of Lisa’s death approached, Greg and Dorrie decided to incorporate her favorite flower and her devotion to their family business as a floral designer, with her wish to do something kind for others. Lisa’s Roses began in 2005 with almost 2,000 roses; with each dozen given, the recipients were asked to keep one rose for themselves and give 11 out to others who need encouragement.
“People came from everywhere to keep Lisa’s memory alive. These loving people helped us through the worst days of our lives.” Greg DePedro said.
Coatesville Flower shop owner Greg DePedro (left), with Dr. Atul Naik, a former Coatesville resident who now travels from Reading each year for a dozen of Lisa’s Roses.
Dr. Atul Naik once owned the dental practice behind the flower shop but relocated his office to Reading years ago. He drives to Coatesville every year to get a dozen of Lisa’s Roses.
“Greg and Dorrie are like family to me.” Naik said.
The DePedros hoped to help other parents who have experienced similar losses as well and invited them to give away roses in their child’s name. Alongside a picture of their daughter, the De Pedros had a prayer board displayed in their shop with nearly 50 children’s names, to honor their memories.
Dorrie DePedro with Coatesville resident Diane Dintino (left), who bakes 36 dozen cookies every year for the refreshment table at the Coatesville Flower Shop.
Sherri Manning, whose 4 year old son Dylan died from Tay-Sachs disease in 2006, stopped in for a dozen roses on her way to work.
“Greg and Dorrie have taught us another way to spread kindness in Dylan’s memory.” Manning said.
As members of the community such as local teachers, students, parents, children, along with Coatesville Lieutenant James Audette, and Deb Woolson, a representative from Senator Andrew Dinnian’s office, lined up to receive their roses, it was clear this day was a celebration of Lisa’s life.
“She is all-around us every day, in everything we do and say. She is there because every year, the community has helped us keep her memory alive.” Dorrie DePedro said in an email.
If you gave or received any of Lisa’s Roses, please share your pictures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and use #LisasRoses.
