Cancer, car accidents and diabetes were among the tragedies that claimed the lives of eight Cape Region residents memorialized Oct. 25. About 100 people gathered in Milton Memorial Park to remember their relatives, partners and friends who died, dedicating six gardens and two trees in their honor.

Yellow pansies, purple and cream mums, red miniature roses and cat mint circled the newly built gazebo, as Kathryn Greig, former president of the Milton Garden Club, led guests in a solemn service.

Club President Jennifer Brengle thanked the families who donated time and money to make the memorial gardens a success. She also thanked Libby Zando-Blayney, who helped plan and sculpt the gardens.

Rains held off during the day by the Broadkill River and sunshine slipped through the clouds while family members shared details of those close to them.

Singing “At the River,” Helen Huse Ralston was accompanied by John Kennedy, whose own partner died of leukemia.

Kennedy said he met Robert McDonald Wallace in 1976, while both were students attending the Peabody Institute in Baltimore.

Kennedy said Wallace was a tall athlete with a great appetite, who had artistic depth behind his brown eyes.

In 2009, Emi Wantrobski’s son, Corey, died from cancer at 49. Later that year, her other son, Scott, 46, was killed in a car accident.

The memorial garden for her sons was not within her budget, but she was grateful for the anonymous donors who helped make her sons’ garden a reality.

Milton Councilwoman Deanna Duby, whose stepson died from diabetes complications, said Sean Christopher Lee was a musician who loved the summer concert series – making the gazebo a befitting location to plant flowers in his memory. Lee’s mother, Carol Bruce, said Lee used to have a huge vegetable garden at his home in Indiana. “There’s only one thing wrong with the garden: Sean’s not here to enjoy it,” she said.

Brent Rhue, husband of the late Nancy Clifton Rhue, recalled his wife’s 32 years of teaching in the Cape Henlopen School District. Nancy was also a great supporter of the Milton Public Library.

“Milton seems to be getting better and better all the time,” said Rhue about the support he received following Nancy’s death.

“God’s got all the answers,” he said.

Steve Graham and Carol Shockley, children of Beverly Anne Graham, said their mother looked forward to Wednesday, when the summer concert series were held at the gazebo. Beverly’s memorial garden was planted near to where she used to sit in her wheelchair to listen to musicians.

In 2009, Richard “Ricky” Hazzard, 38, died in a car accident. His father, Rick Hazzard, said he was moved by the comments of his son’s friend. Ricky was a great cook, who held his friends up when they were down, he said.

Vice Mayor Leah Betts’ husband, Nelson, was remembered by his son, Robert, who said he has big shoes to fill in his father’s absence. The Betts family planted a Sweet Magnolia tree to remember their father, husband and caretaker.

Nancy Reeves, grandmother of Chad Christopher Long, said her grandson had an astounding imagination and a thirst for answers.

He was the only person who could eat a whole can of cranberry sauce at one sitting, she said. She recalled the huge decorations he used to bring to her house during the holidays. She planted a magnolia tree to memorialize the 25-year-old man.

Members of the Wesleyan Church Choir sang “Amazing Grace,” followed by “How Great Thou Art.”

Joining in a communal prayer, family members said, “They were leaders of the people, helping many with understanding and insight.”