A Tribute to Julie Samuels

It was with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we learned of the death of our colleague and friend Julie Samuels (1944-2024). Her family sent word to us of a Celebration of Life that was held August 31 in Oak Park. All of us who knew and worked with Julie, those of us who stood by her side at workshops and in gardens were devastated by this loss. We had known Julie as an unstoppable force, so this news was hard to bear. Julie seemed to have boundless energy and she brought a tireless persistence to her most treasured work as a community organizer who helped create CCGA and continued with tireless advocacy to make it what it is today. An ad hoc committee in CCGA has been established to create a lasting memorial and tribute for Julie who had wonderful positive energy full of so much knowledge to share.

If you have any stories to share of Julie, please do send them to us at: communications@chicagocommunitygardens.org or join us on Facebook where we can help share our treasured memories of our time working with Julie.