Friends honor Colly Leech

Blooming cherry trees will be planted in memory of woman who was active in the community, her business, her church Warwick — She was many things to many people. Active in her community and her church, a business owner, a wife and mom, Colly Leech was loved by many. Last week, six blooming cherry trees were planted in her honor behind the Old School Baptist Church. “They took a public place and created a quiet, private spot to meditate,” said Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard, a friend of Leech. “It’s a spot not used before and now it is just beautiful.” Colly Leech died in January after a long battle with breast cancer. The funds for the trees were donated by three community organizations: Warwick in Bloom, the Warwick Valley Gardeners and the Merchants Guild. Heidi Petrucci, co-chairperson of Warwick in Bloom, said they were moved to plant a tree in Colly’s memory because of a letter written to the local newspapers by her husband, Bill. “Bill wrote a heartfelt letter, wanting a tree planted in her memory,” said Petrucci. “She loved gardening. She was a selfless, giving person.” Michael Bertolini donated the bench and a plaque will be installed later, according to Petrucci. She looked to hire Rich Valentino of Green Mountain Landscaping to plant the garden. “Instead, he offered to donate his time,” Petrucci said. “He did it for the community.” Petrucci said they had looked at several different locations in the village for the memorial garden. They decided on this one, in part, because Colly’s family liked it. “We wanted it here because it is reverent and it is beautiful,” said Petrucci. “This was a wonderful community effort, an embracing one.” And it wasn’t one tree planted — the groups received enough money to plant six. In the fall, Petrucci will accept the volunteer work of a Girl Scout troop to plant bulbs in the garden as well. “It is just a wonderful addition,” said Newhard, “to honor such a wonderful person.”