Lena Domachowski, a much-loved Life Member of our society passed away on Wednesday, July 8.  She will be remembered for her great good humor and unflagging devotion to roses, the Mills Garden, and all rose society endeavors.  On a more personal note are such memories as her wonderful blueberry muffins for garden workers and the very special rose scent which always announced that Lena had arrived.

In 1994, the American Rose Society authorized the new Bronze Medals  to honor local society members’ service and leadership. The SRS Executive Board immediately chose Lena for this new award. The medal was given to her "with affection and appreciation in recognition of your many years of dedicated leadership and service in behalf of the SRS and the ARS."  Following the presentation, Lena noted that her late husband Tony should share the award.

Lena and Tony became SRS members in the late 1950s, so at that time she had been a member for at least 35 years.  Asked then whether she was a Life Member, she replied, "Yes, but I think it's expired!"  Sadly, now it really has expired—but only after her steadfast membership for over half a century.

Lena  served her time as SRS Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President.  However, she was even more active behind the scenes on committees, most notably the Ways and Means Committee which she Chaired or Co-Chaired for more than ten years.  Dried plant materials for the SRS fall sale filled Lena's garage and carport just about year round, and the spring plant sale was another a major committee project spearheaded by Lena.

The SRS Executive Board in the 1994 presentation also noted Lena’s other contributions:  “She faithfully prepares and mails out our Bulletins month after month and serves as a Consulting Rosarian.  She's been in charge of Rose Show Scoring at least since 1978 but more accurately, "forever" (according to our SRS Historian Liz Ladouceur).  The Shows have yielded many blue ribbons for Lena, too.  

“This partial list of accomplishments notwithstanding, even more of Lena's efforts have gone into the Mills Garden since 1969, when she and Tony took charge of it.  In 1979 she took the prize for the most hours volunteered at the Garden, and she's still going strong there.”

 As we continue to enjoy the gorgeous Mills Garden today, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Lena and Tony for getting the SRS back on track as caretakers of the garden named for its first President.

We salute Lena and thank her wholeheartedly for her friendship and outstanding service to the Syracuse and American Rose Societies.   She was an inspiration to us all, and we'll continue to remember her.