Students Brighten Lives with Recycled Wedding Flowers for Seniors

A group of Lasell University students recently brought joy to residents at CareOne in Newton, Massachusetts, by delivering beautiful, freshly arranged flower bouquets. The flowers, which had adorned a wedding at the Crane Estate in Ipswich just days earlier, were recycled to connect seniors in memory care with the outside world. Each bouquet was accompanied by a personal, handwritten note, adding a touch of warmth and connection.

Rebecca LaFond, the Program Director at CareOne, highlighted the positive impact of these flowers on the residents. “It changes the environment,” she said. “Seeing something like a fresh flower really helps to make it feel like home.” For resident Jahiris Velez, the experience held special significance as her aunt is living with dementia. Creating bouquets reminded her of the bond they shared over flowers in their native Colombia.

From Personal Loss to Community Action

The initiative is part of a larger effort by Theo’s Flowers, a non-profit founded by Linda Thompson. After witnessing her parents, Elizabeth and Edward Thompson, struggle with dementia, Linda sought to alleviate the loneliness of other residents who had few visitors. During the pandemic, she and her family brought flowers to their parents, which sparked the idea of sharing the joy of flowers with others.

“Flowers were always a meaningful gift in our family,” Linda explained. “I had to do something.” Collaborating with her sisters, she brainstormed ways to recycle flowers from local weddings. This led to the establishment of Theo’s Flowers in 2019.

With the support of local schools like Milton Academy, students participate in creating bouquets from flowers that would otherwise go to waste. The initiative has not only provided a creative outlet for the students but also fostered connections with the residents at memory care facilities.

Community Impact and Future Goals

Over four years, Theo’s Flowers has transformed the lives of countless residents in the greater Boston area. The organization was recently awarded an Innovation Grant from the I’m Still Here Foundation, which supports initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for those living with dementia. The grant helps purchase flowers when donations are not available.

During a recent visit to CareOne, two residents, Melody and Liz, received the bouquets. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Liz admired the flowers and expressed her appreciation, stating, “It is just, really truly, just a great, great gift. And a surprise!” Melody, also a flower enthusiast, was momentarily speechless, reflecting on the joy the flowers brought her.

Linda and her family take pride in the impact their initiative has made. “It’s beyond what I envisioned. To see it all come together and to see people so joyful,” she said. Their tagline, “Sharing Joy Through Petals,” encapsulates the essence of the program, as each bouquet serves to brighten the lives of those who often feel forgotten.

Theo’s Flowers continues to grow and evolve, with plans to expand its reach and deepen its community connections. By recycling blooms and fostering intergenerational relationships, the organization not only honors the memory of Linda’s parents but also cultivates a culture of compassion and care within the community.