Laurie Steckel Branson grew up on Onondaga Hill and spent her summers in Skaneateles, in and on the water. She went to Westhill High School, Ithaca College and Syracuse University, married and had two children. She loved to ski, she loved her family, and she loved St. James’ Episcopal Church. When she died of leukemia at the age of 35, she was remembered with this memorial garden, a sheltered spot between the church and the lake she loved, a quiet place for prayer, meditation and conversation.

Laurie Steckel Branson’s garden in early autumn