Honoring Kaylee Jade Goncalves —
- Debra Flaming
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
A Bloom That Carries Light Through the Darkness
Today, November 13th, marks a solemn and heartbreaking anniversary for the Goncalves family and for so many across Idaho and beyond. It was on this day in 2022 that the vibrant, joyful life of Kaylee Jade Goncalves was taken far too soon in Moscow, Idaho. No words can ease the depth of such loss—but love has a way of finding a path, even through the darkest valleys.
In the midst of unimaginable grief, Kaylee’s family sought something beautiful, something living, something that could carry her light forward in this world. Kaylee’s mother, who has always held a special love for dahlias, reached out in hopes of finding a grower who might help honor her daughter in a meaningful and lasting way.
What happened next was an act of pure human kindness.
Rivers Dahlias responded with compassion, generosity, and heart—naming one of their most stunning new seedlings in Kaylee’s memory. The words shared by the Goncalves family speak for themselves:
“Rivers Dahlias, through nothing but their kindness & compassion, named one of the most beautiful dahlias I’ve ever seen after our Kaylee. We wanted to thank Rivers Dahlias for their empathy, love, & joy they have brought us on one of the darkest weeks imaginable.A dahlia bright & bold. Delicate & fragile. I promised I’d find Kaylee anywhere. & with pride, I can find small parts of her here, in a living flower that can still remain long after we are not here ourselves.The first step in our life mission to remember, respect, honor & educate others on Kaylee Jade Goncalves forever. Meet the Kaylee Jade Dahlia.”
From the hybridizer herself, Rosie Cooper-Vert of Rivers Dahlias, came this heartfelt dedication:
“Meet our newest bloom—Kaylee Jade! We are honored to share this incredible dahlia seedling with you. Named to honor the life of Kaylee Jade Goncalves who was taken from our world far too soon. It is an absolute privilege and honor that The Goncalves Family came to River’s Dahlias to collaborate on a dedication for their lovely daughter, sister, and friend. Kaylee Jade will be available to the public on our website in December.”
The release will be shared in conjunction with fellow Idaho grower Herons Nest Dahlias and Pennsylvania grower Kennedy Hill Farm, a united effort to uplift this family’s mission and ensure that Kaylee’s memory continues to shine.
Standing in Support — From One Idaho Dahlia Farm to Another
Though Flaming Acres Dahlias is a newer Idaho grower, our hearts stand firmly with the Goncalves family in their mission to:
“remember, respect, honor, & educate others on Kaylee Jade Goncalves forever.”
What we offer is small in comparison to the weight of their loss—but we believe that every act of compassion matters.
We believe in choosing love over despair.
We believe in lighting candles against the darkness.
We believe that beauty—living, blooming beauty—can help carry memories forward when words fall short.
The Kaylee Jade Dahlia is more than a flower. It is a symbol of enduring love. A tribute to a life cherished and a light still shining. A reminder that evil never has the final word.
Our hearts and prayers remain with the Goncalves family. May Kaylee’s brightness continue to bloom in gardens and in hearts for generations to come.
Most Sincerely,
Debra Flaming
To support this meaningful tribute and to purchase the Kaylee Jade Dahlia plan to visit www.riversdahlias.com starting December 26th.
