Elizabeth Seton Residence Holds Heartfelt Memorial Service

Over 50 people attended a deeply emotional memorial service at the Elizabeth Seton Residence, one the area’s leading nonprofit skilled nursing facilities. The Celebration of Life and Memorial Tree Dedication paid loving tribute to the lives and efforts of all individuals at the Elizabeth Seton Residence who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lori Ferrante, Administrator of the Elizabeth Seton Residence, addressed family members, staff, and current residents. “Our residence has always been such a welcoming place, particularly for families of our residents,” said Ferrante. “But the pandemic turned everything upside down, and one of the most difficult challenges we faced was not being able to be together. No one knows that better than you.” Added Ferrante, “We are very glad to have this opportunity to gather together. We missed you, and most importantly, we missed saying goodbye to many of you as we said goodbye to your loved ones.”

Wellesley maestro Max Hobart and members of the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra (WSO) provided a beautiful prelude to the ceremony. Their presence was particularly meaningful because the WSO members generously conducted numerous window and courtyard concerts at the Elizabeth Seton Residence throughout the pandemic, bringing joy and healing music to residents and staff alike. Violinist Aleksandra Labinski and cellist Seth MacLeod, accompanied by Marie Paul, RN, First Floor Unit Manager and Will Zamar, RN, Staff Educator, offered a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Readings and reflections were recited by Rose DiMonda, RN, CDONA/LTC, Director of Nursing; Tanya Rybarczyk, Director of Spiritual Care; Nancy Sullivan, CNP, Nurse Practitioner; and Reverend Kevin Hickey.

Ferrante noted the strong bonds that were established between families and staff members. "With faith and love, we remember the lives and efforts of all at Elizabeth Seton Residence affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ferrante. “We serve as an extended family to those residents who come to call Elizabeth Seton Residence home. To that end, we really get to know each other and create another ‘family.’ Today our family is grateful for the opportunity to gather with your families to honor the lives of those we lost, and to also celebrate our staff who showed courage and extraordinary love and care during this past year.”

As part of the tree dedication, families added their own message to stones inscribed with the names of those lost. With Labinski and MacLeod playing touching melodies, family members placed hand-painted stones in a basket as names were read and remembered. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the stones were carefully placed around the memorial tree.

Lori Ferrante explained the significance of the tree. “When the tree blooms each Spring, we will recall with love those who were lost, and remember the grace, strength, compassion, and courage of the staff who served them, and all our residents, throughout the pandemic. Today, we celebrate and move forward together.”

About the Elizabeth Seton Residence

The Elizabeth Seton Residence is a Catholic, not-for-profit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in Wellesley, MA. As a Ministry of the Sisters of Charity (Halifax) they are deeply committed to delivering quality person-centered care in a welcoming environment that meets the physical, spiritual, psychological and cultural needs of their residents and families. The Elizabeth Seton Residence is proud of their 5-Star Quality status, high satisfaction rating and quality measures that consistently meet or exceed state and national standards.

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