Family members of Joan Brock gathered under her spirit animal, a Turkey Vulture, installed on a memorial arch located in Quota Park to memorialize the wife, mother, teacher and Quotarian lost in 2021. Pictured left to r: Husband Elmer Brock, granddaughters Charlotte Brock, Penelope Brock, sister Ellen Fisher, son Michael Brock and daughter-in-law Satia Sisay-Brock. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Quota Club gathered at Quota Park on Wednesday, June 24, to dedicate an iron memorial arch honoring the lives of Annie Harshbarger Reid and Joan Brock.

Family, friends and community members came together to celebrate both women and the lasting impact they had on Gridley.

Quota Club President Maggie Hepworth welcomed attendees, held a moment of silence, and introduced the project.

"We decided to add a beautiful arch to remind us of the strength and resilience of these two women, with pink jasmine that will climb the arch during the spring and summer," Hepworth said.

The arch also is adorned with the women's spirit animals, adding a deeply personal touch to the memorial.

The Harshbarger family stands beneath the arch and spirit animal of their loved one, Annie (Harshbarger) Reid, who was lost to an unexpected accident that took her life. Pictured left to r: Mother Peggy Harshbarger, sister Katie (Harshbarger) McDonald, and Father Keith Harshbarger. Photo by Seti Long

A crow represents Reid, who graduated from Gridley High School in 2002 and became a successful occupational therapist. Installed on the right side of the arch, symbolizes her intelligence, adaptability and enduring presence. Reid lost her life in a tragic accident while visiting family.

A colorful vulture honors Brock, reflecting resilience, protection, and the ability to bring renewal and strength through life's challenges. Brock devoted 38 years to teaching in the Gridley community, inspiring countless students throughout her career before losing her battle with cancer in December 2021.

Together, the two birds create a meaningful tribute to the memory of Reid and Brock.

In a letter addressed to Reid's mother and read aloud during the ceremony, Brock's daughter, Valerie Brock Holmes, wrote, "I feel like we are sharing such a special moment with the dedication, but more than that, I feel such a strong connection between Annie and Mom."

Quota’s Maggie Hepworth shared lovely memories and sentiments of both women being honored with the installation of the arch at Quota Park in Gridley. Photo by Seti Long

Holmes shared that Reid and Brock passed away just three days apart.

"I know if Mom could find a way to Annie in the afterlife, she would simply go up and wrap her in her arms and say, 'Birds of a feather, flock together,'" Holmes said.

After the dedication, guests gathered around the arch with family members.

"I really appreciate that something so beautiful was put up in honor of my sister," said Katie McDonald Harshbarger. "But also, of one of my favorite teachers."

Brock's husband, Elmer Brock, added, "It's a great honor for both of them,"

As the afternoon concluded, the arch stood as a new landmark in Gridley; a community that refuses to forget its own.

Reid's father, Keith Harshbarger, thanked everyone who helped make the memorial a reality.

"It's nice to have something like this to keep my daughter's memory alive and growing,” Harshbarger said.