Bucks Co. Flood Tragedy Remembered With Dedication Of Butterfly Garden

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — A new butterfly garden is taking root at Brownsburg Park in memory of the seven who who lost their lives in a flash flood that struck the township in July 2023.

On Sunday, family and friends of the flood victims along with survivors, first responders, township employees and officials, gathered to dedicate the Brownsburg Park Memorial Butterfly Garden in memory of Katie Seley and Mattie and Conrad Sheils of Charleston, S.C., Linda and Enzo DePiero of Newtown Township, Yuko Love of Newtown Township, and Susan Barnhart of Titusville, N.J.

The small, private dedication ceremony - held just days before the second anniversary of the tragedy - allowed those in attendance to reflect, remember, and reconnect with the events of that tragic day and to honor the memory of the seven lives lost.

(Upper Makefield Township)

(Upper Makefield Township)

“The butterfly represents transformation, rebirth, hope, and endurance,” said the township in a social media posting about the garden dedication. “We hope this new memorial butterfly garden will ensure that the memory of Katie Seley, Mattie Sheils, Conrad Sheils, Enzo and Linda DePiero, Yuko Love, and Susan Barnhart will endure as their lives deeply touched innumerable souls in our community and beyond.

“The flash flood transformed so many of us and we would like the garden to be a place of hope and healing to all who visit," the post continued.

Designed by the Seasons Garden Center, the township solicited input from the families in planning the garden. Also assisting with the project were the Board of Supervisors, the Environmental Advisory Committee, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Public Works Department.

During the weekend dedication, Pastor George Clash from the Crossing Church offered prayers and a blessing for the garden. During the flood, Pastor Clash opened the church as a command post and held a vigil during the search efforts.

The Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company also used the occasion to show off its new high water truck and UTV named after the youngest victims of the flood - 9-month-old Conrad and 2-year-old Mattie.

The public is invited to visit the garden and use it as a place for remembrance, reflection, hope and healing.

(Upper Makefield Township)

The Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company's new high water truck and UTV named after the youngest victims of the flood - Conrad and Mattie. (Upper Makefield Township)

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