Tragically, the Edwardsville community lost a dear friend and teacher last Monday morning. Marilyn Clasen was a shining light in the lives of so many children who are comforted by the memories they hold dear in the hearts, the fondest of which include long walks through the Watershed Nature Trail in Edwardsville. Marilyn's living memorial has been set up to give many a resting spot at the Watershed Nature Center and to honor the importance of Ms. Marilyn as a teacher by setting up a free library in her name, open to the entire community through the "take a book, leave a book" program. Like Marilyn's house was for so many children, we look forward to a gathering place at the Nature Center where the community can share stories and further their love of learning.
We have estimated the cost of a bench, the free library program, a plaque and the landscaping around it to be around $1,500. We would also like to set up a maintenance fund to continue to preserve the library and the memory of Marilyn at the Watershed Nature Center for years to. Any extra funds that are raised will be donated to a charity designated by Marilyn's family.
At this time, we are still awaiting approval from the Watershed Nature Center. If they decline, we will find another appropriate location for Marilyn's corner.
Please feel free to share this page with anyone that you believe would like to be a part of this memorial.