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New Healing Garden being created at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia

By WJBD Staff Oct 6, 2023 | 8:27 AM

St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation is creating a new healing garden on the hospital grounds in Centralia. The garden is designated greenspace for rest, reflection, and peace available for patients, their families, caregivers, and the community.

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

SSM Health St. Mary’s Foundation Director Kay Zibby-Damron is asking everyone to consider this chance to honor Sr. Clarette’s mission.

The new Sister Clarette Healing Garden will include the Madonna statue and will be located on the south side of Hospital. All proceeds from this project stay within SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. The greenspace is meant to encourage healing and 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 (15×15 paver) or $750 (15×22 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 (618-899-1047).