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New tree honors memory of Elm House supporter Barbara Ann Schwab

The Monroe News - 10/13/2021

Oct. 7—Jack Schwab's efforts to remember his late wife have improved the grounds at Elm House, 852 W. Elm Ave.

A group home for adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury, Elm House is operated by Home, Inc., which also runs Community Supported Living Arrangements.

Several years ago, a dogwood tree was planted on the grounds of Elm House, in memory of Mr. Schwab's wife, Barbara Ann Schwab.

Last spring, Mr. Schwab noticed the tree was declining.

"It had been beautiful and healthy the year before, but now died," said Sandy Imber, executive director of Home, Inc. "Mr. Schwab thought it might have been due to the late spring freeze. That tree was special to him because it had been planted in honor of his late wife."

"Mrs. Schwab loved the work Home Inc. was doing at Elm House and with Community Supported Living Arrangements," said Imber. "Her husband explained her passion and that she had a heart for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness. She was a champion for the cause."

Mr. Schwab offered to replace the dogwood with a Forest Pansy Redbud.

"With his money and help from Snow's Nursery, LA Lawn, volunteers and residents, the tree was planted and watered all summer. The tree is healthy, and the residents are happy to see it in their yard," said Imber.

Last week, Mr. Schwab visited Elm House with his daughter, Erica Sottile; son-in-law, Andre Sottile, and grandchildren Andrew and Genevieve.

"Mr. Schwab extended a special thank you to Elm House residents Michelle Parriet and Robert Bulmon. They made sure the tree had water all of this hot summer," said Imber. "Mr. Schwab and his family are having a special plaque made to place by the tree with Barbara Schwab's name and dates of service on the of board of directors."

Mrs. Schwab served on the board of directors for Home, Inc./Elm House from 2005 until her death in 2010.

"Barbara generously shared her experience and skills as both a registered nurse and clinical psychologist to help write new policies and procedures for services at Elm House that improved the lives of residents," said Imber. "She deeply loved the residents and their families. Barbara was involved in fundraising and other activities to improve the health of the agency and the lives of the residents. Barbara also recruited other board members. She invited Paula Baker to be on the board in 2007. Paula is now the board president for Home Inc."

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