St. Joseph’s Hospital will rename the wellness garden to Laurie’s Garden in memory of Laurie Flood, the longtime executive director of the Foundation.
Flood passed away in January at the age of 63.
She led the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation for more than 20 years and played a key role in developing the garden in 2010.
The space, located behind the hospital, was transformed from an unused grassy hill into a peaceful area for patients, staff and caregivers.
“She knew the garden was a special oasis,” Andrea Scott, marketing and community engagement officer at St. Joseph’s Hospital, said.
“Laurie appreciated the importance of sunshine and fresh air as part of the healing process.”
In addition to the renaming, a memorial arch will be installed in the garden.
It is being built by the hospital’s maintenance department using iron salvaged from the original 1914 gate.
Scott said the arch will serve as a symbol of continuity, connecting Flood’s legacy to the values of the Sisters of Charity, who founded the hospital.
“Laurie’s legacy follows a long tradition of compassionate care and serving others,” she said.
The Foundation also established the Laurie Flood Compassionate Care Fund shortly after her death.
The fund was created in collaboration with Flood’s family and will support patient comfort, advocacy and caregiver support.
Scott said the idea to rename the garden came together quickly, with strong support from staff and family.
“As soon as someone suggested the garden, we all knew — of course it should be the garden,” she said.
A public dedication event is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Hospital, 130 Bayard Dr.
The ceremony will include reflections from the Sisters of Charity, a blessing from Flood’s family priest and remarks from Catholic Health International.
The celebration will conclude with hot dogs, popsicles and cake — a gesture suggested by Flood’s sisters to reflect her warmth and authenticity.
Laurie’s Garden will stand as a lasting tribute to a leader who helped shape the hospital’s culture of care and compassion.