By Christy Macy
When Jill Wrigley died on October 5, we lost an extraordinary friend and inspired founder of Great Kids Farm. As part of her passionate advocacy for social justice across Baltimore and beyond, Jill became the visionary leader behind the establishment of the Farm and its long-term commitment to serve the children of Baltimore City Public Schools. 
Jill was a beloved friend to those who knew her. As 2016 draws to a close, we invited a cross-section of people who worked with Jill to share their memories about her role in giving birth to the Farm and what her friendship has meant in their lives. The Board of Friends of Great Kids Farm is currently weighing options for how best to honor Jill through the generous and heartfelt donations made in her name. A decision is expected in early 2017.
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I always considered Jill Wrigley the godmother of Great Kids Farm. More than anyone, she gave birth to the farm. When she first became interested in healthy food, she had the idea of an educational farm in her mind and heart. Then she used her great intellect to write a report about national models for food education (the BEEF/Abell Report) and brought Tony Geraci to Baltimore. When Jill, Michael, and Tony figured out that BCPS owned the Bragg Nature Center, Jill knew it would become Great Kids Farm and shared her vision with everyone she knew. She worked with the school system to ensure that the Farm served Baltimore’s school children, exposing them to growing and eating healthy food, to the beauty and peace of nature, and to the thrill of hands-on learning. Jill started Friends of Great Kids Farm knowing how important community support would be to its long-term success. I am so grateful to have shared many special years there with her, working as a farm volunteer and sharing our love of social justice, nature, and kids. Jill was our servant leader. Her wisdom and kindness will always be present at Great Kids Farm. - Denise Duval, former FGKF Board Chair
Jill was a tall matriarchal tree in our forest. We oriented ourselves and our work with the benefit of her loving presence. In her courage and stature we could see our own path—encouraged to believe into beautiful possibilities. She connected us through her deep roots of intention and expansive mycelium of community. In the vision, nourishment, and light she has offered us, we feel called to grow into those forms and spaces that she embodied for us all. - Greg Strella, former Farm Manager, Great Kids Farm
Jill was probably the best person I have known in my young life, and I’ve met some really wonderful people. From my first encounter with Jill at Great Kids Farm and seeing her passion—not only for children and farm-to-fork initiatives for Baltimore City Public Schools—but her love for her fellow human beings inspired me tremendously. She’s inspired me to dedicate my life to serving others and being the best human being that I can be. Because of Jill, I have some semblance of what I want to do with my life, and how I want to serve others. Because of Jill, I have some of the best memories of my life. Because of Jill, I met her amazing family and friends and was introduced to the greatest place on earth: Great Kids Farm. Thank you for everything, Jill. Thank you for showing me through your example how I should live my life: full of love. I miss you and love you. You will forever be the biggest influence on my life. - Marcus Mosley, former Farm Fellow, Great Kids Farm; former FGKF Board Member
I first met Jill at the joyous celebration of her wedding. This meeting in some indelible way set a tone to all our subsequent meetings over the years, one of joy, light, and an abiding love of nature. In 2008 our paths crossed in a truly providential way: searching for a project in memory of my daughter Tania. She and others introduced me to Great Kids Farm. What a double blessing—an endeavor my daughter would have loved, and an opportunity to work with and support Jill, who was so central to the creation and flourishing of the farm and to ensuing educational programs for Baltimore Public School children. Jill’s passion to hold up to the world in as many innovative and creative ways as possible the vital importance of wholesome nutrition for growing kids—and for all of us—was inspiring, challenging, and fun. Jill never took herself too seriously and it was always after the many creative resources and ideas took shape that it became clear that they stemmed from Jill’s passionate spirit and her quiet and modest work. - Jane Harrison, founding FGKF Board Member and long-time supporter
Jill’s life validates everything that my soul feels, craves, seeks. Her kindness, curiosity, and her genuine love of all things beautiful inspired all of us who had the great fortune to be part of that kindness. She taught me that anything is possible if you believe and act upon that belief. She taught me to listen, especially to the voices of children. I loved the power of her Mother Warrior spirit. It floored me. It helped to change our world. It changed mine forever. - Anthony Geraci, former Director, Food & Nutrition, Baltimore City Public Schools
Jill Wrigley was a one-woman healthy food access ambassador! She engaged so many of us to be active in Baltimore’s efforts to end food insecurity through her infectious passion and inclusive community organizing. I remember one workshop that Jill organized for Baltimore City Public School “green” teachers early in the farm’s history. The goal was to inspire these teachers to integrate healthy food access into their lesson plans and to consider starting a garden at their schools. Even the main dish for lunch had meaning. Jill made a Native American “Three Sisters” stew from farm-grown ingredients. By the end of the day, you could see the excitement on the teachers’ faces as they thought about how to make their curricula more experiential by highlighting healthy food access. These, and many other seeds planted by Jill, will result in generations of Baltimore’s school children experiencing a working farm and why eating healthy food matters to a healthy life. - Kathy Shulman, former Community Engagement Manager, Great Kids Farm
Jill’s leadership of Friends of Great Kids Farm is something I reflect on often. She always approached other perspectives and new ideas with a spirit of curiosity and respect. Jill was a collaborative leader and I am glad to have been on her team and had the opportunity to learn from her. - Alison Hickman, FGKF Board Chair
Jill sowed seeds of goodness far and wide—cultivating a new consciousness around children’s health and education. Like a mighty sunflower, she followed the light, inspiring those around her with a bountiful sense of possibility. At a time when so many of us are questioning our roles and how to make a difference, Jill demonstrated the difference one passionate, committed individual can make. The ripple effect of her vision, warmth, and determination will be felt in incalculable ways for years to come. - Sheila Kinkade, FGKF Board Member
Jill’s was a strong voice for the children of Baltimore schools. She helped us focus on our primary purpose: supporting the education of as many children as possible. She will be sorely missed. - Philip Porter, FGKF Board Member