Floragraph Is Touching Tribute To Montclair Woman, Organ Donor

Montclair, NJ - The family of Betsy Niles, a Montclair mother who died after being struck by a van in March 2011, honored her at the Donate Life Rose Parade Float on New Year’s Day.

A “floragraph” of Betsy, whose kidney saved the life of Valentine Samuels, 53, of Newark, was created with seeds, flowers and other natural materials and displayed on the 2016 float.

Betsy was among 60 organ and tissue donors honored with floragraphs during the event.

“We were so honored to learn that Betsy was chosen for this honor,” said her companion of 10 years, Dan Sarnowski, who referred to Betsy as “the love of my life.”

• See related article: Montclair Woman, Organ Donor Remembered

Photos courtesy of Jasmine Walden

Caption 1: A floragraph of Niles on the Donate Life float

Caption 2: Dan Sarnowski and Ali Niles pose at the rose dedication ceremony for Betsy Niles.

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