Hospice Memorial Garden
Hospice Memorial Garden History
The Lewis County Hospice Memorial Garden site is located in the Veteran’s Memorial Park on Parkway Drive, Lowville, NY. The site was approved by the Lowville Village Board in 1998. The garden has been maintained annually since its inception by Friends of Lewis County Hospice Volunteers.
The initial concept of the Memorial Garden was to create “a garden to be used by the general public whether in time of bereavement or simply to enjoy.” The original plan was to create an inner garden in the shape of a butterfly. The butterfly would symbolize “hope.” This has not yet come to fruition.
In May, 2005 a total overhaul of the overgrown garden was completed by 16 volunteers donating a total of 92 hours. This was in preparation for the arrival of a life sized granite angel that was donated to the garden in memory of Katy Stefhon-Allen. Donation was made by Katy’s family and friends. The angel was hand carved in China by one individual. The angel then made her way by ship to the U.S. and up the Eastern seaboard and eventually to the Hospice Garden. Her arrival to the garden was preceded by digging and cement foundation donated by Virkler’s Concrete. The placement of the garden’s angel required a presentation by Mary Ingersoll to the Hospice Board of Directors and the Lowville Village Board and approval was granted. The Angel’s base reads “To honor those we have loved and lost, who remain always in our heart…”
In 2005, the FOLCH Board of Directors authorized the program for Memorial Stones to be placed in the Memorial Garden. Since then, each year multiple stones are added to our walkway. The memories of loved ones are honored here.
In May, 2006, the worn entrance and benches were replaced by a new entrance and 2 pergolas with benches and side tables. These were designed and built by Harvey and Mary Ingersoll. Harry and Doug O’Connor dug the 16 necessary holes. The Lowville Co-op donated all the wood materials to make this project happen.
In July, 2008, Zehr’s Landscaping came in and completely removed the walkway, re-leveled the stones and added a scalloped edging to the walkway.
In the summer of 2016 and 2017, the pergolas were pressure washed and stained.
The spring of 2019, we were able to place a beautiful Hospice Memorial Garden sign to assure the public that this is a public garden for them to visit and “seek comfort here.” This was made for us by Pete Pebbles and completed before his death. We are grateful for his expertise in making this sign. It greets you at the entrance of the garden.
In 2021, our aging fences were replaced by Alpine Fencing. This project was possible due to the generous donation from the George R. Davis Fund and the NNY Community Foundations. These fences were a lovely addition to our garden. They more clearly define the borders of the garden.
As of fall, 2023, we have placed over 220 stones in the walkway that memorialize loved ones from our community. If you wish to honor a loved one with a memorial stone, please contact Mary Ingersoll at 315-783-3803.
Please take the time to stop in and visit our garden. Seek comfort there as you remember your loved ones.
The garden remains a work in progress. Its many visitors sit and contemplate and enjoy the beauty of the garden. It is such a place of peace and comfort.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION TO THE HOSPICE MEMORIAL GARDEN FUND
Memorial stones are prepared by T. F. Wright, P.O. Box 230, 609 Adelaide Street, Carthage, NY 13619
