Remembering, Honoring a Daughter Through Service

One special bench on the waterfront at has special significance to Judy Frankel.

It’s the place she goes to remember her daughter, Dana Sue Rolland, who at 39 years old, died of breast cancer in 2003.

“There was no place for me to go, there was no cemetery,” said Frankel, who had her daughter’s remains cremated. “I wanted a placed to go that was special — a place to go where I could honor her and think of her.”

So, she started an organization, Dana’s Legacy, giving others an opportunity to honor their loved ones by dedicating benches, trees and flower gardens.

Frankel said her bench serves as a memorial — a place to remember her daughter’s attributes: Warm; caring; loving; a role model; and a “seeker of life’s truths.”

The words engraved on the bench are simple, but straight to the point:

Always and Forever, Dana Sue Rolland, It’s all about love.

“She was all about love,” said Frankel, noting that people can inscribe whatever they wish on the benches. 

Last year, Frankel expanded the initiative to , and also began a flower garden at Lakewood Park for people to honor their loved ones. 

Bricks are now also available.

It all started in 2008, when Frankel reached out to Ward 4 city councilwoman Mary Louise Madigan with the idea.

“All I wanted was a bench for Dana,” Frankel remembered. “The city has given me so much freedom. They are letting me be a big part of it, because it helps me heal.”

Here’s how it works:

Those interested can dedicate a bench for $1,000; a tree for $300; or flowers for $100. People can have bricks engraved at Lakewood Park for $150.

The initiative is administered by the city of Lakewood.

So far, six others have dedicated benches in a loved one’s honor. Another woman bought a plaque under a tree at the park. 

Frankel, who also volunteers as an ambassador for The Gathering Place, said she’s found that she’s been able to heal by helping others.

“This place is special,” she said, noting that she often spends time at the bench with her husband Dr. Mark Frankel.

“It feels right to me — perfect.”

Those interested in participating are encouraged to pick up a brochure from the city of Lakewood, at 12650 Detroit Avenue.