In Loving Memory: Ramsden Family Dedicates Garden for Beloved Daughter

On what would have been her 22nd birthday, family, friends and the St. Joseph’s community gathered to remember and celebrate the life of Nicole Ramsden, a former patient in St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. In her memory, the St. Joseph’s Health Foundation has dedicated a part of the courtyard at the Paterson campus to create the “Nicole Ramsden Serenity Garden.”

Nicole’s parents, John and Mary Ramsden, have been a part of the St. Joseph’s community since Nicole’s diagnosis. After her passing, John and Mary continued to graciously support St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Together with the St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, they proposed the idea for the garden as a space open to all in need of beauty, peace and serenity.

“Almost 12 years after diagnosis, nine and a half years after Nicole’s passing, and all of you are still supporting us. That’s powerful,” said Mary Ramsden to friends, family and St. Joseph’s staff during the garden dedication. “That’s a blessing we are tremendously grateful for and that’s God’s prodigal care manifested through each one of you.”

The garden was blessed by Sr. Pat Mennor, Vice President of Mission, which was followed by the ribbon cutting with the Ramsden family and St. Joseph’s President and CEO Kevin J. Slavin. Msgr. John Caroll then sang a traditional Irish Blessing, which touched the hearts of everyone at the event.

“This lasting memorial to Nicole Lorraine is a living, breathing, growing, flowering place where serenity will be found for those whose hearts are troubled,” Mary Ramsden said.