ALBANY, Ore. — A local family’s grief has transformed into a heartfelt community project that will soon stand as a symbol of love, remembrance, and unity at Timber Linn Park in Albany.
After the sudden passing of her 16-year-old granddaughter, Jordyn Russell, in April 2024, Albany resident Lonnie Holifield set out to create something that reflected Jordyn’s spirit — joyful, loving, and always connecting people.
“Jordyn had a way of bringing people together,” Lonnie shared. “We wanted something that could honor her, but also give others a place to celebrate the people they love.”
Inspired by memorial lock displays in cities around the world, Lonnie envisioned a heart shaped structure where families could leave personalized locks and messages. That idea became a reality through a partnership between the City of Albany’s Parks & Recreation department, the Albany Parks & Recreation Foundation, and local businesses including TVP Engineering and H3O Welding, who helped bring Lonnie’s sketches to life. The final structure features Jordyn’s favorite color — purple — and a butterfly detail in her honor…