Chiragi, I'm sorry for your loss.

There are probably a lot of trees that would be suitable, hard to say for sure without knowing what kind of soil, sun and drainage conditions you're dealing with. It probably will come down to your preference. There are lovely native trees that would be hardy in the area, produce flowers and even fruit to support birds; many have very attractive fall foliage and some have interesting bark, as well. There are also some non-native species that come highly recommended. Some things that immediately come to mind are:

Amelanchier, redbud, sweet bay magnolia, stewartia, vitex (also known as chaste tree).

A trip to a local botanical garden or arboretum to look at the trees growing on the site would be a good start. You could also call your County Agricultural Office or Master Gardeners for their advice.

For something like this, I think it would be nice to plant a tree that is not only well-suited to your environment, but also somewhat different than what one usually sees.

Chiragi, I too am sorry for your loss.

I started gardening last year with just a few flowers my mother loved.

It's a beautiful way for us to remember and honor those we've loved so dearly.

Chiragi, echoing the above, I am so sorry for your loss.

I live in Lawrenceville, just south of you. On our property, we have pink dogwood, Tanzanian cherry and Eastern red bud tree. All provide beautiful pink blossoms in the spring.

Anecdotal information says that dogwoods are prone to infestation/disease, but ours has stayed healthy as a horse. I recommend speaking with the Rutgers cooperative extension located at the Trenton Farmers Market, http://mgofmc.org/rutgers.html ... their staff has been a great resource to me.

kindest regards,
Jason

Sorry to hear about your loss as well,

I would go with something that's a native to this area, but that's me now, a serviceberry tree. Great flowers in the spring, berries in the summer and awsome foliage in the fall. Not to mention the great silver bark in the winter. All animals go to a serviceberry tree it seems, me included. ;)

spring:
http://depts.washington.edu/urbhort/html/plants/images/serviceberry.jpg

Summer:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90712790@N00/542596309/

Fall:
http://plantsbeautifulnursery.com/images/serviceberry.jpg

Winter:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26927657@N00/18935486/

Chiragi, I am sorry for you loss. You might want to consider a cultivar that bears your daughter's name, if one exists.

For example, Magnolia 'Elizabeth', or Syringa (Lilac) 'Marie Frances.'

Thank you all for your suggestions. I think we maybe leaning towards the Magnolia tree (most likely the sweet bay.. I do like the Magnolia 'Elizabeth with the yellow flowers as well and also like the pink flowers) Seeing such beautiful flowers will always remind me of my little baby girl,Alicia.

thank you again.