Samaritan Health Services

Community members created a beautiful garden space at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in memory of Judy Thissell, a long-time resident of Tidewater. The group of family and friends used many of Thissell’s favorite plants and materials in honoring her wish to develop a garden outside of the hospital's Outpatient Treatment Center. 

Patients can now enjoy the view while receiving wound therapy or chemotherapy, which are ongoing, time intensive treatments. Patients used to look out at a concrete slab, blank wall, and air conditioning unit. Now they see a bucolic mural by Helen Kropp, a mosaic tile window box by Debra Van Landingham, and several pots of colorful plants. The Judy Thissell Garden was designed by Nancy Penzola.

“Judy’s daughter, Sandra Thissell, asked me to design the space and I was honored to do it,” said Penzola. “But there were many people and businesses who either gave us discounts or donated funds as well as time, energy, and talent to make it happen. We all loved Judy and wanted to grant her wish.” The group also includes Laura Castaldo, Kameron Cummins, Janet Farrell, Joe Penzola, Steve Roberts, Ed Strom, Larry Thissell, the Oregon Coast Garden Center, and Ray’s Market. "Patients and staff love looking out at the garden,” said Paula Beck, a nurse in the center. “You wouldn’t believe how watching something like a spider creating a web in the garden really brightens our patients’ days. And we all enjoy watching how it changes over time. It brings something beautiful and natural into the medical setting and that is truly healing. Judy would’ve loved it.”

Visitors can stop by the Judy Thissell Garden, located on the east side of the hospital near the corner of SW 10th and SW Case Streets.  For more information, contact the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation at (541) 574-1810.