Amelanchier species are a very verstaile tree as far as 4-season attractiveness goes. You have a lovely form, nice flowering, beautiful fall color, and fruits.

But my personal favorite is an Eastern Redbud. They are a smaller tree, will tolerate some shade if need be, have really cool leaves, and the most gorgeous flowers in Spring. It flowers in May here in zone 4/5, so might just be in bloom on your niece's birthday.

I am sorry for your family's loss.

Sorry, I meant amelanchier genus, having many species.

Redbud will bloom at the correct time. I remember when an associate's husband died of cancer I bought her a pink crapemyrtle.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

I am so sorry for your loss. I think a Serviceberry or a Eastern Redbud would be lovely.

That is a wonderful idea to plant a tree.

Dogwoods are very beautiful in the spring and even come in pink now. Crepe myrtles bloom later in the spring- at least they do here. Crepe myrtles are more upright than dogwoods. There are some beautiful flowering fruit trees also but again more of a spreading form. Have you looked at your local nurseries to see what they have?
I hope you find the right tree to remind you of happy times w/ your niece. Brandy

Thank you everyone for the suggestions...will go to the nursery next week to see if they have any of your suggestions and also see what they suggest. Appreciate your help...want something beautiful like her! If you want to see....

www.caringbridge.org/visit/kelsiemckune

How about a flowering Japanese Magnolia or any of the lovely smaller varieties of Magnolia.

She was a beautiful girl - thanks for sharing the URL.

Regards from TX,
Janice

Hi,
Sorry for your loss. We lost a daughter last May and I understand how you must feel.

Eastern Redbud is a great choice. Beautiful pink flowers in the spring, hardy in most soils and will tolerate full sun.

Where do you live and what is your zone?

My family lives in Western NY and we have some acreage. I planted some giant redwood sequoia's (five). They made it through their first winter and I'm keeping a close eye on them. I'm going to make one of them a memorial to my daughter once they really take hold.

Talk with you soon.

Bill in NY