A heartwarming story of compassion and legacy is currently highlighting the incredible impact of volunteers across the Treasure Coast region. The Treasure Coast Hospice recently celebrated the dedication of a long-time volunteer whose sewing skills have brought comfort to countless grieving families through the unique “Memory Bears” program.
Lisa Gunggoll, the Director of Volunteer Services for Treasure Coast Hospice, joined Board Chairwoman Eileen Emery for a special visit to The Gardens of Port St. Lucie. They were there to honor Gerry Cornell, a resident and former nurse who played a pivotal role in bringing a special comfort initiative to Florida. Cornell, who moved to the Treasure Coast from Michigan in 1956, had spent her life dedicated to healing, earning the nickname “Nurse Gerry” from her mother at the age of three.
The inspiration for the local Memory Bears program struck in 2009. While visiting her sister in hospice care in Michigan, Cornell learned of a program that transformed a loved one’s favorite clothing into handcrafted teddy bears. Recognizing the potential to help families back home, she secured the sewing pattern and brought the concept to the Treasure Coast. This marked the beginning of a years-long labor of love.
Over the years, Cornell meticulously handcrafted more than 100 Memory Bears for local families. The process involved not just machine sewing, but hours of intricate hand stitching. During the recent visit, Cornell presented an album filled with photographs of the bears she had created—a testament to the legacy of comfort she provided to the community.
It was an act of love that gave me great pleasure.
The emotional weight of these creations was palpable as Cornell recounted specific projects, including a bear and a small quilt made for the family of a two-year-old child. In a touching moment of connection, she recalled her final project: a bear made from a red and white checkered shirt featuring a designer label. That specific bear had been crafted for Board Chairwoman Eileen Emery, who lost her son in 2015. Emery confirmed the significance of the gift, noting that her son loved designer labels, making the bear deeply meaningful.
Today, the program continues to serve as a vital source of comfort for patients and families, sustained by talented volunteers following in Cornell’s footsteps. Residents of the Treasure Coast interested in the Memory Bear and Memory Pillows program, or those wishing to volunteer their time and skills, are encouraged to reach out to the organization directly.
For more information on how to get involved or to learn more about these services, you can visit the Treasure Coast Hospice website at TreasureHealth.org.
