We are thrilled to announce that on May 31st, 2022, Ascension Providence and Providence Foundation held a blessing of the new Sister C Serenity Garden which was created for Ascension Providence associates to rest, relax and rejuvenate. This was made possible through the Providence Foundation by donors who wanted to give back to our associates who have intensely stressful and emotional situations on the job and after a challenging 2+ years of being on the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donors who came together to make this garden possible by contributing nearly $250,000 are:
- Krista Nielsen Salome and Family in Memory of Kyle Nielsen and Pat Nielsen
- Lawns Ltd.
- Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Patterson
- Bob & Diane McEachern
All funding for this garden was solely donor driven.
The name of the garden was chosen in memory and remembrance of Sr. Cecile Matushek, lovingly known as Sister C. Sister C was a friend, confidant, and spiritual leader for Ascension Providence and associates for 27 years, and was loved by all who knew her. Sister C was missioned to Providence in July 1991 and served 27 faithful years as VP of Mission Integration. She loved TEAMPROVIDENCE deeply, even changing her mission upon retirement to praying daily for Providence, our patients and for each of our associates. Sr. Cecile passed away March 14, 2022 around the time work began on the Serenity Garden. Because of her dedication and love of TEAMPROVIDENCE, it was appropriate to name this Serenity Garden after her. Thank you to Sandra Sims, who worked for 27 years with Sister C, for the naming of the Serenity Garden.
The garden is located in an outdoor space between the hospital and the Medical Plaza.
This garden was created with our associates in mind, knowing how hard they work, so that they can find a moment of serenity within their day. The donors’ hope is that our associates will take time each day to enjoy this beautiful space by having lunch, a cup of coffee, or conversing with friends and coworkers. The space has both shade-loving and full-sun variety plants and flowers, a water feature, crushed granite and pavers with rocking chairs, picnic tables and additional conversational seating. The garden is secure with badge access for Ascension Providence associates only.
Pictured donors (from left to right): Philip A. Patterson, Sid Smith, Krista Nielsen Salome, Diane McEachern, Bob McEachern, & Lisa Torgersen)