A New Garden Filled with Old Memories

Gunnison Valley Health’s Director of Home Medical Services, Hospice and Palliative Care Pam Brunsell said the history associated with the hospice garden dates back almost 15 years.

“A lot of community members donated towards the original hospice garden including naming bricks, trees and plants,” said Ms. Brunsell. “When the original hospice garden needed to be removed to make way for the new Senior Care Center, we knew that keeping the donated plants and bricks was an important part of our community. It is wonderful to see that the new hospice garden in front of the dedicated hospice suite is nearly finished and will be filled with many memories so our loved ones will always be remembered,” she said.

After 15 months of construction, Gunnison Valley Health’s Senior Care Center opened in November last year. The spacious 52,000 square foot facility is based on a neighborhood model of living with 44 private rooms and 3 semi private rooms that include all the comforts of home. During the construction phase, the original hospice trees and plants were housed and looked after by dedicated hospice volunteer Kathleen Cortner.

Gunnison Valley Health’s VP Administration Services Wade Baker said it is exciting to be in the final phase of the project with only the gardens and landscaping to be finalized.

“The entire project relied on so many community members and we would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved,” said Mr. Baker. “The hospice garden would not have been possible without Kathleen taking such amazing care of the original hospice plants during this time. We are truly thankful for her commitment to ensuring the memories of our loved ones continue to thrive and look forward to welcoming the community at our ribbon cutting event in August,” he said.

Gunnison Valley Health is extending an invitation to the community to celebrate and view the new hospice garden on August 15 at 11am at the Senior Care Center, 1500 W. Tomichi Ave Gunnison. Refreshments will be provided.