Hampstead Garden Club
Box 714 Hampstead, NH 03841

~ Memorial Garden & Trees ~

The Hampstead Garden Club Memorial Garden & Trees: 

Ellie’s Garden 

Ellie Comerford was a devoted, hardworking member from 1994 until her untimely passing in 1999. Long time members talk about the club being about more than gardening and this was never truer than with Ellie. Her gentle, quiet influence on the Hampstead Garden Club left a lasting impression on members. Thanks to a donation from her family, the club was able to create a memorial garden in Ellie’s memory at Ordway Park. The garden included Ellie’s favorite plants ~ roses and iris. An inscribed memorial plaque fixed to a large rock in the garden leaves us with a continuing reminder of the most treasured things in Ellie’s life: Family, Friends, Faith, Fun and Flowers. 

Memorial Tree for Donna Renaud 

Donna Renaud was a beloved member from 1996 until her passing in 2008. Donna continually taught us perseverance, tenacity, ingenuity, and the strength of a positive spirit ~ all from her wheelchair. Donna had debilitating rheumatoid arthritis yet she found solutions to her disabilities by creating tools and techniques to overcome them. She served in many capacities for the club and inspired us all to contribute to our town in whatever way we could. Donna’s family donated a memorial tree (Serviceberry, Amelanchier grandiflora ‘Robin Hill’) that was planted in Ordway Park in 2009 to remind members and our community about Donna. The costs of the plaque and engraving were shared by HGC and the Friends of Ordway Park who wished to remember Donna’s contributions and visits to the Park. 

Military Support Tree 

A Sugar Maple tree was planted by HGC to honor those who serve their country in the military. This memorial tree was planted and dedicated in 2007/2008 at the Hampstead Historical Society, 67 Main Street, in memory of Capt. Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, Marine Pfc. Matthew L. Bertolino, and all of our hometown heroes.

Our friend, Donna Renaud