Cecilia Searle Obituary

SEARLE, CECILIA (GUIU), 65, of Forest Street, passed away at home on June 23, 2012. Known as Lalla, she was the wife of Colgate Searle, Jr, the mother of Llerena Searle and Colgate Searle III, and the grandmother of Alcida Enck. Following her graduation from Bennington College, Lalla received degrees in Fine Arts and Landscape Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). In 1975, she co-founded Searle and Searle, Landscape Architects and Planners with her husband. For 13 years, she taught Plant Materials and Design for RISD. She also served on the Providence Historic District Commission. During her 40-year career, Lalla focused her work on a broad range of landscape projects in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including an Open Space Plan for Block Island, the Blackstone River Heritage Park and Bikepath, North Kingstown's Ryan Park, Roger Williams Botanical Gardens, Swan Point Cemetery, the Wheeler School and numerous private residences. Because of her strong interest in preserving historical landscapes, Lalla undertook many restoration projects, including the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Olmsted garden at the historic Nightingale Brown House. As a long-time member of the Shakespeare's Head Association, Lalla curated the Association's historic garden, revitalizing it and installing period appropriate plants. For over 10 years, she was the volunteer steward of the garden, providing ongoing maintenance and care. Her work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the RI State Council on the Arts and the RI Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Besides her immediate family, Lalla is survived by her parents Elizabeth and Rafael Guiu and her sisters, Cristina Wood and Gloria Costello and their families. A memorial service will be held at Swan Point Cemetery, Saturday, July 14 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fryeburg New Church Assembly, Heifer International, and Doctors Without Borders. For additional information please see monahandrabblesherman.com.

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Published by The Providence Journal on Jun. 27, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Cecilia Searle

12 Entries

Hali Beckman

July 17, 2012

My condolences to Colgate and the family. Lalla was the most compassionate, caring and yet professional teacher. And as the years passed and our lives crossed I found that she quietly led through example. I am sorry to hear of her passing.

Doug Nelson

July 9, 2012

To Colgate and family: We are very sorry for your loss. Lalla was a special person. You are in our thoughts.

George Foster

July 5, 2012

Lalla touched many lives in and out of the classroom her passing is a tragic loss for all who knew her. The world has lost a kind, gentle spirit, and a dedicated landscape architect. It is with the fondest memories that I recall my time with Lolla at RISD. My best wishes to Colgate, their children, and extended family during this difficult time.

Steve Brewer

July 4, 2012

With great sadness, I learned of Lalla's passing. My deepest sympathy to Colgate and family. Lalla won the respect of many, the affection of her family and left this world a better place.

Robert Walsh

July 3, 2012

Please accept my condolences Colgate with the passing of Celicia. Your former student, Robert Walsh, RISD BLA '81. I grew up in Providence and have lived in West Greenwich since 1994, the town I believe you grew up in? My wife Cindy, RISD GD '81, and I have raised two wonderful children in WG. Emma is a RISD apparel design grad '11 and my son will be a junior Industrial Design and Glass major at MassArt. I myself have been a professional graphic designer and photographer since graduating from RISD. THx to you and Lalla, I can look back on a design foundation I studied in the 1970's as the bedrock of my successes over the years.

June 30, 2012

Buster and family, I am so sorry to hear of Lalla's passing. My deepest sympathy to all.

Michael Saks

June 29, 2012

My deepest condolences to Colgate and their children.
Lalla's vision of beauty, her ability to create palates of color and form and inspiration, and her love of her family and her career have made this world an unquestionably more beautiful and richer place. I have treasured her counsel and her friendship. Our lives will all be the lesser for her passing. May she rest in the peace in which she lived her life. .

Searle with Searle at Fryeburg

Amy Blackman

June 27, 2012

Cecilia, your courage and grace and love of life and kindness will always be remembered and something i will strive for in my own life. You are so admired and loved. I don't like the world as much without you in it, and i think this earth you tended feels the same way. with love.

Jesse Ann White

June 27, 2012

Cecilia, you were so kind and so giving, but you were also a strong, intelligent, and creative woman. A wonderful role model. I am grateful to have known you, and I will miss you.

Laura Knosp

June 27, 2012

I will always remember her kindness and wonderful laugh!

Bob Perry

June 27, 2012

Cecilia... Lalla, you were a bright light in my life. You made everything better wherever you were. I miss you very much!

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