Remembering the Sisters: The History of Lady of the Valley Cemetery

In the heart of Gardenview Estate, amidst the tranquil grounds, lies the Lady of the Valley Cemetery, a serene reminder of the devoted Dominican Sisters who once called this property home. Established in 1942, the cemetery served as the final resting place for 20 sisters who dedicated their lives to service and education.

A Sacred Resting Place

The cemetery was originally set up on the property that was part of the convent's grounds. Over the years, it became a poignant spot for reflection and remembrance. The original tombstones were beautifully ornate, reflecting the respect and reverence for the lives of the sisters buried there. However, as the years passed, the need for change arose.

A Move to Holy Cross Cemetery

On October 8, 2011, the graves of the sisters were relocated from the Lady of the Valley Cemetery to Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane. This decision was driven by several factors, including the transformation of the property into private land and the desire to keep the sisters together in a space where they could be honored collectively. Holy Cross Cemetery had the capacity and facilities to accommodate this move, ensuring that the sisters' legacy could be preserved in a fitting manner.

Preserving the Memory

Although the original, ornate tombstones were moved to Holy Cross, the cemetery at Gardenview Estate still maintains its historical charm. The last owner of the property, Mr. Parent, crafted the simple crosses you see today to honor the sisters. These crosses are placed in their original locations, preserving the cemetery's appearance as seen in historic photographs. The only individuals still buried here are Mr. and Mrs. Parent, who lovingly tended to the cemetery and its grounds. The cemetery is not open to the public but is included as part of the historic property tour offered to B&B guests.

The Cemetery’s Features

The cemetery also features some intriguing elements from its past. The rock arches in the back once supported a working water feature, adding to the serene atmosphere of the site. The Mary statue in the alcove is a unique artifact—cemented in place, it remains the only statue not stolen during the 1980s thefts that affected other statues.

In Memory

The sisters interred at Lady of the Valley Cemetery left behind a legacy of faith and dedication. Among them were:

• Mother Bonaventura Groh (1877-1942)

• Sister Alexander Zimmerman (1878-1942)

• Sister Aquilina Lang (1880-1942)

• Sister Adelberta Baumstark (1906-1943)

• Cecilia Hatfield, Tertiary (1875-1944)

• Sister Virginia Mathiew (1883-1946)

• Sister Walburgis Meyer (1885-1946)

• Sister Rose Francis Riedmiller (1884-1948)

• Sister Rhabana Freyland (1893-1951)

• Mother Arsenia Stalter (1888-1954)

• Sister Agneta Kuhn (1917-1954)

• Sister Hedwig Schmitt (1916-1956)

• Sister Klodia Joerg (1896-1958)

• Sister Yolanda Fichter (1920-1960)

• Sister Cecelia Gerhardt (1932-1964)

• Sister Matrona Meyer (1885-1965)

• Mother Belina Poetz (1888-1965)

• Sister Mary Anne Carroll (1884-1965)

• Sister Elizabeth Boulet (1901-1965)

• Mother Seraphica Dietz (1887-1967)

Let me know if you'd be interested to learn more about the lives of some of the sisters previously interred here such as their roles, hobbies or where & why they made the journey from Germany to Washington State.