Brentwood resident, Louise Charboneau, who died in February, was remembered by her family and a group of neighbors, including some city hall officials, as two swamp white oak trees were dedicated in her memory at Oak Tree Park Friday morning.
Charboneau was running for mayor of Brentwood when she died, and Alderman Andy Leahy said he would have loved to have seen how she would have done in the election.
The two swamp white oaks will grow to about 60 feet tall with an 80 foot crown. Leahy said the encroaching honeysuckle will be removed to give them room to grow. The city’s updated guidelines on trees was dedicated to Charboneau.
Alderman Steve Lochmoeller, who was her next door neighbor, said on summer evenings sometimes they’d chat, and it was always about Brentwood, and it would roll on to state and national issues.
“You have to remember, on the political spectrum I’m to the center/right, but Louise was kind of to the left, like way to the left [he said, jumping several steps], so our discussions would get somewhat heated, and we’d kind of part company not seeing eye to eye,” he said. The next day she would always say, ‘howdy, neighbor, how are things going in Brentwood?’ She loved Brentwood, and she particularly loved the environment, and it’s fitting that in memory we dedicate this tree.”
Thank you for this story. Louise was the among the most animated, intelligent and big hearted woman involved in politics. Still think of her. Again thank you.
Louise was one who had the courage to speak out about Brentwood issues at board of aldermen meetings. May our elected officials and City employees always seek out and be responsive to opinions and ideas of concerned citizens like her. All voices matter.
I walk by these daily and will enjoy. Thank You.
Thanks so much to Steve and Andy for honoring my mother in such a beautiful way. Mom loved Brentwood and was passionate about her community. I am grateful for the friends and neighbors who embraced her. I miss her every day. Some days I wake up and forget she isn’t here. She was passionate about the environment, women’s issues, ending gun violence. She was a great teacher and I an eager leaner. She loved animals, flowers, the ocean. She taught me the importance of voting and having a voice in an upside down world. She was beautiful. I think the sun was shining just for Mom today.
Sorry I had to miss it I was little under the weather.
Louise was a wonder person and miss all.