Area hospital raising funds for Healing Garden

St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation – Centralia is creating a new healing garden on the hospital grounds — a designated green space for rest, reflection, and peace — for the patients, their families, their caregivers, and the community.

The healing garden is being named in honor of Sr. Clarette Stryzewski, whose faithful service and leadership to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Felician Services and the local community spanned multiple decades. Sr. Clarette continually put the needs of patients, physicians, and employees above all other priorities.

“We ask that you consider this chance to honor Sr. Clarette’s mission. Your support directly improves the lives of those we serve through our ministry. I hope we can count on you. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and all the ways you help us reveal the healing presence of God,” says Kay Zibby-Damron, SSM Health St. Mary’s Foundation director.

The new Sr. Clarette Healing Garden will include the Madonna statue and will be located on the south side of the hospital. All proceeds from this project stay within SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia. This green space is meant to encourage healing; soothe patients coping with the stresses of hospitalization; offer a reminder of hope and life to those facing terminal illness; and rejuvenate caregivers and families dealing with mental and emotional fatigue. You may also choose to honor or memorialize someone special to you with an engraved paver for gifts of $250 (7.5″x15″ paver), $500 (15″x15″ paver) or $750 (15″x22″ paver).

All donors to this project will be invited to a special dedication of the healing garden upon its completion this fall. To ensure your paver is installed during the initial installation, donations must be received by October 25, 2023. Additional pavers will be installed bi-annually.

For more information please go to www.ssmhealth.com/donate/illinois/st-marys-foundation-centralia/healing-garden or call the Foundation Office at 618-899-1047.

Pictured above is construction on the garden.