The Memorial Garden is a place where families can memorialize their deceased loved ones by placing their names on plaques in a special garden located at St. Thomas Aquinas church on Waverley Street. For the living, it is a place for meditation and contemplation, honoring the spirit of their loved ones who have passed through to eternal life. The plaques are a reminder that, though no longer with us, family and friends still live close in our hearts.
 
History and Information
Since the garden’s inception in 1998 and dedication two years later, The Memorial Garden has gradually blossomed over the decades and lovingly tended to by loyal volunteers who contributed their time and support to create a sacred space, honoring the faithful who have gone on to be with the Lord.
 
Parishioners Joann Meredith, Pat Tighe, Joan Campbell and Fr. Barry Freyne oversaw the original design and construction of the garden.  Responsible for the beautiful landscaping and plantings was Deke Rowe; and Larry Donnelly installed the marble pillars.  Godofredo Alfaro and crew maintained the grounds weekly with care.
 
After Vatican II mandated that the faithful should stand when receiving the eucharist, marble from the former communion rails from St. Albert the Great church were repurposed and incorporated into the garden’s present design.  Today they serve as pillars where the plaques are mounted.
 
Nestled in the cool shadows of the church, the verdant garden is wheelchair and walker friendly with a smooth path leading to a circular, paved courtyard surrounded by azaleas, agapanthus and ferns. Majestic palm trees and a towering redwood tree draw up one’s gaze towards heaven and a trio of spacious wooden benches provide a comfortable place to sit, reflect and pray, alone or with friends and family.
 
During tranquil evening visits, posted lanterns and up-lights dot the landscape for enhanced visibility and spiritual ambiance.
 
Order a Plaque
For $350, current and former St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners and their families may purchase plaques by filling out this form (Click HERE for form and details).
 
Plaques are engraved with the deceased name and year of birth and death. With a two-line minimum, no more than 20 letters and spaces per line are allowed.  Plaques will become part of parish property and cannot be removed from the garden. Orders may be placed at any time, but for practical reasons, engraving and mounting are done when we have received at least four orders from the community.  Notifications will be emailed when orders are fulfilled and ready for installation in the garden.
 
Contact Mary Lou Savage, STA Office Administrator at [email protected] for questions.