To the Editor:

In response to “Decoration Day” Sound Off, which appeared in the May 17-23 issue of North Country This Week: thank you for your wise words – my grandparents were recently buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery and I did make a promise to my grandmother, Marilyn LaPointe, to keep a purple flower at her grave at all times.

You see, purple was her favorite color and represented everything that she was – bright, beautiful, dignified, and devoted. This is why I tucked a small purple artificial flower next to her stone. The grave was ruthlessly vandalized last year and that flower was stripped from its position and thrown into a trash pile during the “clean up.” Imagine my absolute heartache that someone would treat her memory in that way.

My grandparents deserve nothing but respect from this community. They were loyal to the Catholic faith, owned numerous small businesses (Kit N’ Kaboodle Gift Shop, LaPointe Electric, LaPointe Liquor) served on the Potsdam Housing Board, Sweet Adelines, Knights of Columbus, Potsdam Volunteer Fire Dept. (to name a few) and my grandfather served in the Navy on the USS Midway during the Korean War. They would give the shoes off their feet to anyone who asked.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church believes they can dictate how we should mourn. I have witnessed this in the way they conduct funeral services– they are controlling and believe they have the final say in all matters. I know there are others who have made similar promises to their loved ones in this cemetery, how can we let the church continue to also control how we honor the memory of our families?

Please be aware and let everyone affected know that today June 1, 2017 – St. Mary’s will enforce their new rules for the cemetery, which I believe violate so many of our rights as mourners, plot owners, taxpayers, and members of this community.

The new rules are (taken from the most recent St. Mary’s Bulletin word for word):

Non-plastic borders are allowed in an arc or rectangle, not to exceed 15 inches, in front of the gravestone. The border must be maintained in good condition.

No artificial flowers, plastic fencing, statues, benches, candles, vigil or solar lights, plastic ornaments, glass or crockery allowed.

No planting of trees or shrubs allowed. Existing shrubs or trees on plots must be removed.

All impermissible objects will be removed.

If you need help removing shrubs contact the rectory at 315-265-9680

Courtney N. LaPointe

Potsdam