Magnolia tree planted at Robe-Ann to promote suicide awareness

Displaying the range of emotions exhibited through a period of grief, Kimberly Holt (above) smiles and laughs as she helps plant a magnolia tree in honor of sister Mary Martin-Widener, who took her own life in May 2022. Later, Holt consoles mother Jeanette Martin (below) as they are both briefly overcome by the emotion of the event.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Grappling with a topic that’s far too often considered taboo, a local family recently honored a deceased sister and daughter who took her own life last spring.

Mary Martin-Widener, a 34-year-old Alexandria resident and native of Fillmore, died by suicide on May 20, 2022 at her home.

Still dealing with their own pain and loss, the Martin family paid tribute to Mary several weeks ago by planting a tree in her honor at Robe-Ann Park in Greencastle.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Family, friends and well-wishers gathered at the park to dedicate the magnolia tree, which has special meaning between Mary and sister Kimberly Holt.

“It matches the one in my back yard that my sister gave me,” Holt said, noting it was a Mother’s Day gift from Mary several years ago. “It was little, but as it grew taller, I sent her pictures each year on her birthday. And this was the first year I couldn’t do that.”

Kimberly, who was joined by parents Charles and Jeanette Martin and her own husband Jesse, noted that Mary’s wishes had been to have her ashes buried with a tree. While that was not feasible at Robe-Ann Park, the family was still pleased with the outcome.

“This was the next best thing in her honor because we wanted to make it public so everybody could enjoy the beauty,” Holt said, noting that Mary was community-minded. “I know this would be something she would enjoy.”

Mom Jeanette Martin also noted that the tree, which is to bear a plaque with Mary’s name, is there to raise suicide awareness more generally.

With this in mind, Jeanette was joined by Gina Ames — another Fillmore-area mother who lost a child to suicide — in placing tags with their children’s names on the tree.

Other suicide survivors are invited to add the names of their loved ones. The tree is located beyond the center field fence of the Robe-Ann softball diamond and west across the driveway from the concession building of the Greencastle Aquatic Center.

The Martin/Holt family was also joined for the planting by family friend April Oty, as well as Sheila Holloway, who has been a tireless champion of mental health and addiction awareness locally, and Karen Martoglio, executive director of Mental Health America of Putnam County.

All of those in attendance released balloons in honor of Mary and any other suicide victims.

Holt also expressed her appreciation to the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department, particularly Director Greg Ruark.

“I was excited when I called and he said yes,” Holt said.

Gathered at Robe-Ann Park to plant a magnolia tree in honor of Mary Martin-Widener and in the name of suicide awareness are (from left) Sheila Holloway, Karen Martoglio, sister Kimberly Holt, brother-in-law Jesse Holt, April Oty, Gina Ames, mother Jeanette Martin and father Charles Martin.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN