On July 26, the Ohio Living Foundation hosted a dedication ceremony for Cynthia’s Garden, a new outdoor space for residents and their families to enjoy at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber. Located near the community’s skilled nursing facility, the garden hosts perennials, flowering shrubs and colorful planters, with chairs and umbrellas.
The garden is named for the late Cynthia White, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and former resident at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber. Cynthia spent her career helping others; she was a dedicated nurse for many years and later, transitioned to a second career in pastoral counseling. She and her husband, Terry, moved into Goodale Landing when it opened in 2014.
When Cynthia became ill and was unable to live in the apartment, she was cared for by the Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber staff, with Terry at her side every day.
“My wife spent several years in the care of the nurses at the skilled nursing facility,” said Terry. “She was always fascinated by gardens and flowers, and we wanted to create something in her memory. Every time I went to see her in skilled nursing, I noticed that one section of the facility didn’t have an outdoor space for residents.”
Terry continued, “I thought it would be the best way to honor my wife’s memory, provide a nice space for everyone to enjoy, and most importantly, to express gratitude to the wonderful nurses who cared for my wife and all of the residents who showed us support.”
Terry and his two daughters, Ann and Stephanie, created a tribute to Cynthia that is engraved on a boulder within the garden. It reads:
Cynthia's Garden
Dedicated with gratitude to the staff of
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber's Healthcare Center
In Memory of Cynthia C. White
By her loving family, husband Terry R. White and
daughters Ann Connelly and Stephanie Jacobs
"The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth."
excerpt from God's Garden by Dorothy Frances Gurney
Established August 2021