06/15/2026
All hospitals have a history. Few have their founder and namesake still at the heart of it.
Tucked inside Sentara Obici Hospital is the Heritage Garden, the final resting place of Amedeo Obici and his beloved wife, Louise.
Amedeo, founder of Planters Peanuts, built the original Louise Obici Memorial Hospital in her honor after her passing. His one request was that he and Louise always remain at the hospital. When the hospital moved to its current location, they moved too.
Now, more than 25 years after the Heritage Garden was established at our current campus, the space has been thoughtfully renovated with new landscaping, pavers, seating areas and improved drainage — creating a peaceful retreat for patients, visitors and team members alike. All while preserving and showcasing the Obici memorial.
Here are photos from a recent rededication and reception we held at the garden with our hospital community.
Learn more about the garden's history and recent transformation in this feature from The Virginian-Pilot: https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/06/04/sentara-obici-hospital-redesigns/