JARS v64n4 - In Memoriam: Esther May Strickland

In Memoriam: Esther May Strickland
Peter Kendall

The year was 1959. Joining the ranks of the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society was an individual whose dedicated participation in chapter activities became obvious to all whose good fortune it was to make her acquaintance. Elizabeth (Betty) Sheedy, in her characteristically understated way, became friends with and a supporter of virtually all who shared her love of the genus Rhododendron . For a number of years, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, she was editor of the chapter newsletter which substantially contributed to the edification and well-oiled functioning of this vibrant entity. Later, in the 1980s, when the chapter acquired the Cecil and Molly Smith Garden. She, along with Fran Egan, Adele Jones and Eileen Landregan, authored the Smith Garden newsletter to inform people of this remarkable assemblage of plants and to assist in their endowment.

Over the years Betty became a stalwart of the group fostering the preservation and ameliorization of the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (this involved gathering and tending plants, organizing and hosting celebratory events and participating in other supportive endeavors). In 1989, with Betty presiding, and her later companion of many years Bill Ferguson as secretary, the Friends of Crystal Springs was conceived and brought into play.

For many years she would invite people to her lovely garden where she shared her interests in plants and often things culinary (she was a marvelous cook) with all those privileged to attend. In later years, a specific gathering to witness the annual blooming of Magnolia 'Caerhay's Belle' became a staple. Betty's undertakings in hybridizing and plant selection was rewarded with R. 'Betty's Bells' ( R. campylogynum X R. racemosum ) and 'Night Editor' (an outstanding R. russatum selection). I was especially lucky to have bought property near this lovely lady in 1985 and for every year thereafter to enjoy her support and friendship. For me, as well as legions of others, she leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.