By Dr. Ginger Gabriel
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
Each summer Mountains Community Hospital (MCH) holds a special observance to honor mountain loved ones who have passed away. Christi Schneider, chair of the Rose Memorial ceremony welcomed everyone by saying, “This ceremony has been a tradition for more than 50 years and is facilitated by the MCH Auxiliary.”
The engraved names of the deceased have traditionally been mounted on wood. This is being redesigned and this year the names of the honored deceased were printed on the poster in front of the podium, as the hospital is being renovated. The 2024 Memorial Rose chosen to represent these loved ones is “Perfume Factory,” a fragrant purple rose whose color symbolizes gratitude, adoration and celebration.
Pastor Randy Buecheler joined Schneider at the podium to share some words of encouragement as well as bring the invocation. “The best way to remember the departed is to practice little acts of kindness,” he said.
Mark Turner, the MCH CEO, welcomed all the guests and invited them to visit the garden whenever they came to the hospital “to enjoy the roses and the beautiful view of Lake Arrowhead.”
Zee Salva, 10-year resident of the Skilled Nursing Facility, sang a beautiful solo, “Precious Lord Take My Hand.”
Jeanie Hoy, president-elect of the MCH Auxiliary, read a brief history of the Rose Memorial ceremony. This ceremonial tradition began in 1951 when the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange designed a heart-shaped rose garden soon after the hospital was built. The sisters maintained the garden until the property was sold to a nonprofit organization in 1964. A hospital auxiliary was also founded during those years to assist the sisters and the hospital in l967. Over the years, members of the Hilltoppers Garden Club spent many hours renewing and working the garden. In 2008 the Hilltoppers disbanded and the hospital auxiliary assumed the responsibility for this beautiful garden. On Aug. 17, 27 loved ones who have passed were honored at the rose garden. Schneider facilitated the sharing of stories by family and friends of the deceased.
Cheryl Moxley-Harrison passed away Jan. 29, 2024. She was honored by her husband, Charlie Harrison. Cheryl’s many family members and friends described her as an inspiring teacher for 35 years, a compassionate friend and role model. She was a member of the Women’s Club, the Lake Arrowhead Rotary and wherever she felt she was needed. Charlie simply said, “I loved her.”
Dennis Tagat Pettigrew was well known as a graphic design artist and generously lent his talent to MCH and was greatly appreciated.
Mellisa Carlson was remembered as a remarkable woman who loved her family and the people she cared for as a nurse. She fought a good fight against cancer which finally took her life.
Jeff Clayton taught guitar and softball at the high school and is missed by many.
Tom Cluney was an engineer, but was best known as “a humble servant of God.”
John Crater, whose wife Carol Anne remarked, “God took him home too early.”
Eric Davis, Sean Davis and Matthew Wilder were remembered by their mother, Michelle Davis. Eric passed away in November 2015; Sean passed in 2023; and Matthew lost his life one year ago last week. Michelle told interesting stories of each of her sons’ lives, while great empathy was felt for her from this group of mourners at her family’s loss of three sons.
Yolanda Douglas was remembered by Chryl Russell, representing Soroptimist International of Rim of the World. Yolanda was a community organizer and is most remembered as she combined her quilting skills with her passion that all women have access to mammograms to diagnose breast cancer. Yolanda has many loyal friends and was a great fundraiser.
Frank Hernandez was also remembered.
Virginia Pattison and Marge Sole from the Skilled Nursing Facility were remembered by resident Zee Salva singing, “Precious Lord Take My Hand.”
Mary Frances “Frankie” Kinderman was remembered as a quiet, gentle lady, never missing a Bible study.
Robert J. Penn was remembered by his daughter, Christine.
Julia Radovicic was remembered. Jeanne Schoettmer was active in real estate. She loved her kids and grandkids.
Roger William Sherwood was remembered by his daughter as a large personality. His life was involved in helping people while being in the Coast Guard in WWII and later in a career in law enforcement.
Victor Sperrazza passed away in October of 2022 and his wife, Gail, followed him in March of 2023 of a sudden illness.
John A. Stamford was remembered by wife Suzi and daughter Stephanie.
Emerik Christian Stockl, Erhard Stockl and Jeff Walker were remembered.
Marge Sole was remembered as a “life of the party,” fun lady. Her granddaughter, Jennifer, remembered her grandma out on a Lake Arrowhead ski boat with a glass of champagne in one hand, waving with the other. At 93, she resided at MCH in the Skilled Nursing Facility, often saying, “Just one more hug!”
Concluding the Rose Memorial ceremony, Schneider invited everyone to gather around the heart-shaped rose garden to recite (or read) Psalm 23 and then enjoy the refreshments.
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