Donor: Children of John and Kitty Makley
Tree Species: Black Gum
Cleveland Metroparks gratefully acknowledges the friends and family of Dr. John T. and Kathryn Makley for their support of the Legacy Fund. This gift supports reforestation in Cleveland Metroparks now and in the future.
This tree is planted in loving memory of Dr. John T. and Kathryn (Kitty) Makley by their children John Jr., Charlene, Mary and Chris.
High school sweethearts, John and Kitty were married 60 years (1960-2020), enjoying their rich retirement years together at their Chagrin Falls home, where they loved entertaining a wide circle of friends and family, as well as hosting their eight grandchildren. "Dr. John" had an award-winning career as an orthopedic oncologist at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. Kitty served as president of the Junior League of Cleveland before receiving her MBA from Case Western Reserve University. She then served as Director of Rehabilitative Services and Planning at Health Hill Hospital for many years.
Kitty was a dedicated volunteer to many organizations her entire adult life. Upon retirement, John also volunteered extensively. Together, they played an active role in charitable giving across Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland area. In particular, this tree helps commemorate John and Kitty's devotion to supporting environmental education and conservation organizations such as the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and the Chagrin River and Western Reserve Land Conservancies.
John and Kitty recognized the importance of careful, sustainable management of public natural lands. They reveled in their time outdoors, John fishing in his pond and elsewhere, Kitty gardening and riding her horses through South Chagrin Reservation. In their final months, each loved to walk the paths of South Chagrin, including here in Henry Church Rock.
John and Kitty's tree was planted in October 2024 near Henry Church Jr. Rock Picnic Area in South Chagrin Reservation.
Tree Coordinates: TBD