Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down and relax, but for Leiana Gary, retirement became a time for creativity, community, and purpose. As a former Speech-Language Pathologist with 36 years of service in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Leiana didn’t settle for a quiet life. Instead, she embarked on a mission to transform her neighborhood through art, nature, and student involvement, all in honor of her late mother.  

In 2007, during her final walk with her mother – who was battling pancreatic cancer – Leiana Gary experienced a pivotal moment. As they strolled arm in arm, they passed a large planter pot near their home. Leiana couldn’t help but comment, “someone needs to do something about that nasty planter filled with trash.” A few minutes later her mother responded, “And who might that someone be?” Leiana’s mother passed shortly after, and each time Leiana walked by that planter, she heard her mother’s voice.  

In 2009, Leiana became “that someone” when she started the Cottage Grove Planters Society. She initiated her first project on Mother’s Day, using daylilies and Hostas from her garden. Over time, Leiana saw the plain concrete planter boxes as blank canvases for CPS students to display their artwork and enhance the neighborhood. 

“My thought was, involve the students in a project that allows them to express themselves artistically.” said Leiana. “They can see their hard work enlarged, framed, and mounted, participate in planting some of the flowers, and realize that they have brightened their neighborhood through their own efforts.” 

Student involvement has had a lasting impact. During the 2024 project, former participants from 2012 returned to encourage the new crop of students. The Cottage Grove Planters Society serves as a reminder to the Chatham community that there’s hope and beauty despite difficulties. Residents participate in cleaning and occasional planting activities, sharing stories about their own gardens. 

Through the Cottage Grove Planters Society, Leiana has not only learned more about her community and neighbors, but she has also learned about herself. “I have learned that I am more like my mother than I thought, my public service through this organization is proof of that,” said Leiana. 

Leiana’s story demonstrates that retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life, interests, or future hopes. She encourages retirees to revisit interests they’ve set aside to find satisfaction within themselves and make a difference in other’s lives too. “Just do it!” she concludes.