Residents devastated over loss of memorial wall

“She loved it down here, so we wanted to do something that would kind of reflect that,” said Dave Garvey.

A memorial plaque dedicated to Garvey’s mother that used to live on the Seacliff Beach wall has been scraped off, along with many others.

“Big loss not having the plaque up here because we walk down and see her picture, so it definitely feels like a loss,” said Garvey.

The wall is bare now, but it used to be decorated with plaques bearing the names and pictures of loved ones who have passed.

Its nakedness now creating more grief.

It was a place for memories, solitude and even celebration.

Liz Donatini’s parents had a plaque on the wall marking their 50th anniversary.

“I’d walk with my parents, and we would touch it, and my parents would kiss each other, and it’s just kind of a sweet story,” said Donatini.

The memorial had been around for more than a decade.

Homeowners who live on the other side of the wall and own the property, decided it was time to turn it back to its original state, which meant the plaques, pictures and well wishes had to come down.

“We didn’t want to bother them,” said Sunny Garvey. “But I didn’t think we were doing any harm with it, so it’s sad.”

The owners told a newspaper the wall had become a source of sadness in the midst of personal challenges and that they went to the beach to be happy.

Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, California decided to give the mementos a home so they can be returned to their rightful owners.

“We still have a number of plaques and we’re hoping people find out that we’re there,” said Twin Lakes pastor David Hicks.

Whether it’s the memorial in Seacliff or the one under an overpass in Salinas that commemorates an infant found dead several years ago, Hicks said they create a way for people to cope and know they’re not alone.

“You can’t heal what you won’t reveal,” said Hicks. “So sometimes just having that plaque there is a reminder. Helps us process the loss of a loved one, helps us remember them.”

Plaques can be picked up at Twin Lakes Church Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and also during their weekend services.