Creating Spaces of Connection and Comfort: Alice’s Corner
At Covenant Foundation, every donor is a changemaker, a visionary shaping health care in Alberta. Thanks to the generosity of donors like Alice Broomhall’s family—and the support of a matching grant from Covenant Foundation—Alice’s Corner at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre has become a cherished space where families, residents, and staff can connect, reflect, and find solace.
Alice Broomhall dedicated her life to care, working as a nurse in roles including staff nurse, head nurse, and evening supervisor at Edmonton General from 1958 to 1981. Decades later, in 2011, she returned to the same halls as a resident on unit 4AB, where she lived for nine years. Alice’s legacy of compassion and service made a lasting impact on the people around her, inspiring her colleagues and co-residents alike.
When Alice passed away in 2020 at the remarkable age of 101, Geraldine MacInnis, resident care manager for units 4AB and 4C, saw an opportunity to honor her legacy in a meaningful way. She envisioned transforming the corner where Alice’s nursing desk once stood into a space that would reflect the care Alice embodied throughout her life.
Thanks to the generosity of Alice’s family, who contributed a heartfelt donation, and Covenant Foundation’s matching support, this vision came to life as Alice’s Corner—a warm, inviting space where families can gather for quiet conversations or where staff can take a much-needed moment to pause.
“Anytime you took Mum by that area, she would remind everybody that it was her desk," says Bob Broomhall, Alice’s son. "Now, Alice’s Corner provides a comfortable, welcoming place for people to sit and visit, or just find some quiet time."
Alice’s Corner is a true collaboration of generosity and care. Covenant Health’s capital planning, facility management, and occupational health teams worked together to ensure the area is both beautiful and functional, with comfortable seating, a decorative fireplace, and a display honoring Alice’s life and career.
"It’s very welcoming and warm when you walk onto the unit," says Geraldine. "Alice’s Corner puts a smile on everyone’s face, and it brings comfort to so many."
Last fall, four years after the idea was first proposed, Alice’s Corner was officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Alice’s three children, two of her grandchildren, and staff members from Edmonton General. For Alice’s eldest daughter, Judy Purkis, who once worked at the Edmonton General, the moment was deeply meaningful.
(From left to right) Judy Purkis, Dona-Lynn Hawreschuk and Bob Broomhall cut the ribbon dedicating a memorial space for their mother, Alice Broomhall, at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre.
"You could just feel her in that corner," says Judy. "I can't think of anything better to honor her."
Alice’s youngest daughter, Dona-Lynn Hawreschuk, a retired nurse who also worked at Edmonton General, agrees. "I know how honored she would feel, even though she’d be so humble about it. This recognition means so much."
Spaces like Alice’s Corner are a testament to the power of donor generosity and vision. At Covenant Foundation, we believe in building communities of health and healing where moments of connection and reflection are possible because of people like you.
Every donation you make helps create enhanced spaces and opportunities for care across Alberta, ensuring the people we serve experience comfort, compassion, and community. Together, we’re building a legacy of health and healing.
If you’ve been inspired by Alice’s story, we invite you to champion health care by creating a space where others can feel supported, connected, and cared for.
Click here to read the original story written by Marguerite Watson, senior advisor, content lead at Covenant Health.