Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
‘LISA’S ROSES’
Shop owners will give out 10,000 roses in memory of daughter
When she was battling cancer, Lisa DePedro lived by the motto, “do something nice for someone.” That is what asked of the many who rallied to her side.
For the past 14 years, her parents have honored their daughter’s request.
By giving out 10,000 roses in memory of their daughter, Greg and Dorrie DePedro honor her memory, and at the same time thank the community that has supported them.
They look at it as handing out 10,000 smiles.
The Coatesville Flower Shop is hosting “Lisa’s Roses” on Thursday Aug. 23 for the 14th consecutive year in memory of Lisa DePedro. The shop owners, Greg and Dorrie DePedro, said there is no better way to share that day to honor the memory of their late daughter than with their family, friends, community members and everyone who has comforted them over the years.
Lisa DePedro died on August 23, 2004, just five months after she was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. In addition to her parents, Lisa left behind her daughter, Payton.
“Do something nice for someone” became a special tribute to Lisa and her legacy. When people asked how they could help her during her battle with cancer, those acts of kindness to others was all she asked. Lisa’s Roses continues as a tradition that customers every Aug. 23
receive one dozen roses for free and are asked to keep one for themselves and give the other 11 to different people who need a smile.
“On the first anniversary of her death we had to make a decision. We could either bury our hearts and stay home or do something to honor our daughter’s memory,” Greg DePedro said. “So we decided we would ask people to come to the flower shop. We weren’t sure that first year what to expect. We didn’t even know if anyone would come. Well, they did. They came from all over the state to participate in ‘Lisa’s Roses.’”
The Coatesville Flower Shop employees prepare 10,000 roses each year and most years, they run out before the store closes for the day. Throughout the years, the DePedros have given away more than 100,000 roses in Lisa’s memory.
“The giving of the roses brings so much joy and happiness to so many people. We are two of the people that have been given that joy, that love,” Greg DePedro said. “Again and again over the past 14 years, family, friends, community, the churches and the schools, have come together to help us keep her memory alive by coming in on August 23 and participating in Lisa’s Roses.”
Two years ago, the DePedro opened their “Lisa’s Roses” to any parent who has lost a child. Greg DePedro described it as a “special year of healing for us.” He said that they found other parents bearing the same pain and trying to find a way to express their memories of their child.
”We invited them to come and share in our day and give roses out in their child’s name. Sometimes just saying your child’s name aloud brings a type of peace to your heart,” Greg DePedro said. “Last year and this year, we openly invited these parents again. It’s time for us to help them heal as so many have helped us.”
Parents are encouraged to bring a picture of their loved one to put it on the “Memory Board.”
The Coatesville Flower Shop is located at 259 East Lincoln Highway in Coatesville. The shop will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23.