Azalea Gardens bench dedicated in memory of WRAL employee killed in crash
Family members, friends and coworkers of WRAL employee Erin Simanskis gathered Wednesday in the WRAL Azalea Gardens, where a bench was dedicated in her memory.
Erin died in January after being hit by a van during a January snowstorm on her way home from work.
Erin left behind her husband, Ed Simanskis, and twins, Emily and Eric.
Ed said Wednesday Erin had a green thumb and a love of gardening. She made an effort to visit the WRAL gardens each time she worked, and she tenderly cared for her own garden at home.
Ed recalled that Erin always picked out the plants for their yard, which she would care for lovingly and skillfully. Ed was always in charge of the manual labor.
Among so many other traits, Erin is remembered by loved ones for her kindness and willingness to help others. Ed said she would show that kindness to their neighbors, who would often stop by their yard to ask Erin for gardening advice.
Wednesday's dedication took place on Ed and Erin's 31st wedding anniversary.
Ed recalled that he and Erin stopped giving each other cards and gifts years ago. Instead, they would do something fun together -- go on a date or revisit a special place.
He never stopped, however, giving her a single yellow rose each year on their June 1 anniversary. A yellow rose rested Wednesday above the plaque displaying Erin's name on a bench she would pass, and visit, often.
"I will continue to give Erin a single yellow rose -- her favorite -- she never told me to stop and she was always so grateful for it," Ed said. "I will continue to give her that rose as long as I can. Happy anniversary Erin. I love you."
Emily, Erin's daughter, also spoke at the dedication.
"A lot can happen in six months ... January feels like yesterday but also feels like a lifetime away," Erin said.
Emily said the hardest days since her mother's death "have been the especially good ones -- when I horseback rode for the first time in months ... when I met a new friend my mother would have liked to meet ... those especially good days are hard, because I can never tell my mom about them and I will never be able to."
Emily recalled, "In those moments, when I wish I could text her, I remind myself she would wish for my happiness ... I say that all because I think my mom would want us to do that today too. My mom would be really happy to see us all here filling the gardens ... surrounded by flowers in one of her favorite places."
