A Special Tribute at St. Matthew’s

The wooden sign is simple with the words “Mary’s Garden” written in blue paint. Nestled below, on the grass, that reads “Always in Our Hearts.”

The tiny garden, filled with green tomatoes and other vegetables, was dedicated last week to Mary Schippel by the St. Matthew Lutheran Church’s Special in God’s Eyes ministry.

Schippel died on June 21 and had been a volunteer with Special in God’s Eyes (SIGE). The ministry works with special needs adults who have aged out of programs that assist them and their families, said Sue Mullen, director of assimilation and outreach ministries for St. Matthew’s.

Schippel was a volunteer since SIGE's inception about four years ago, Mullen said.

Her death has been a challenge for SIEG members, who don’t necessarily understand loss, she said.

“We had a ceremony and dedication of the garden to help the kids understand Mary is gone but because she had faith, she is in heaven,” Mullen said.

SIEG members plant and tend to the garden and the vegetables are donated to a food pantry.

SIEG meets every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the church, 720 Dundee Avenue, Barrington.