A colourful tribute is taking shape in Cobourg in memory of Vienna Rose Irwin, the little girl whose tragic death three years ago deeply affected the community.
Artist Lindsay Cox from Norwood began creating the mural on Thursday, May 29, 2026, on the west side of JJ Steak and Burger Restaurant at 8 Elgin Street East.
Vienna was two-years-old when she died after being found in a septic tank at the Watch Me Grow Day Care on County Road 45 north of Cobourg on May 25, 2023.
Shortly after Vienna’s death, Cox who is a mural artist met with Vienna’s parents, Claire and Clary Irwin.
After meeting the Irwin’s, Cox said she wanted to create the mural in honour of Vienna.
“As a mom myself, I didn’t know how to support or help. The only thing I know how to do is do art, so I offered up what I was skilled at.”
Cox said the mural is a mixture of spray paint and exterior house paint was created with the blessing of the Irwin’s, “just to make sure Claire and Clay know that this community supports them and still three years later we are still with them every step of the way.”
Several different drawings were created and the Irwin’s picked the final version which Cox started creating.
“For a number of years we knew that we wanted to do something with the butterfly that symbolizes Vienna. So we put the butterfly in the middle and Vienna’s middle name is Rose, so I’m going design some roses around (the butterfly).”
Most of the mural was completed on Thursday, but Cox said she will be back to complete the artwork when the weather cooperates.
Cox said she hopes that no matter who sees the mural, they remember Vienna.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
