Memorial Garden Dedicated in Honor of Former Diakon Affordable Housing Director Sandy Rostkowski

Scranton, PA (Monday August 24, 2026)

Friends, family members, residents, colleagues and community members gathered at Diakon’s Lutherwood Apartments in Scranton on Aug. 19 to dedicate a memorial garden in honor of Sandy Rostkowski, former director of affordable housing for Diakon, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.

The garden celebrates Rostkowski’s life of compassion, leadership and service and provides a lasting place for residents and visitors to gather, reflect and remember the impact she had on the people and communities around her.

During her years with Diakon, Rostkowski approached affordable housing as much more than providing a place to live. She believed in creating communities where people felt safe, welcomed and at home, and she was known for treating residents and colleagues with kindness, dignity and respect.

The dedication reflected not only Rostkowski’s professional legacy, but also the things and people she loved. Members of the local Guide Dog Foundation community attended with their dogs, adding a special personal connection to the gathering. Rostkowski’s grandchildren also participated in the day and are pictured with Copper, Sandy’s dog.

Lynne Markowski, Diakon director of affordable housing, welcomed those gathered for the dedication, and Diakon President/CEO Shari VanderGast offered remarks as part of the ceremony. As part of the dedication, guests were invited to share a few words or memories of Rostkowski if they wished. During that time, Alexandra Pliska, representing the Scranton Mayor’s Office, presented a proclamation to Rostkowski’s family in recognition of her life, service and impact on the community.

In a fitting nod to her lighthearted spirit and belief in making time to enjoy life, refreshments included a visit from an ice cream truck, adding a little fun to an afternoon dedicated to remembering someone who brought plenty of it to those around her. 

Rostkowski was remembered for the energy and joy she brought to both her work and her relationships. One of her favorite sayings, “Work hard, play hard,” captured an approach to life familiar to those who knew her: Give your whole heart to the work, but always make room to laugh, celebrate and enjoy the people around you.

As the garden grows and changes through the seasons, it will remain a permanent tribute to Rostkowski and the many lives she touched. It will be a place of peace, reflection and hope in a community she cared deeply about.

Sandy Rostkowski’s grandchildren, center, hold the leash of her dog, Copper, during the memorial garden dedication at Lutherwood Apartments. Members of the local Guide Dog Foundation community and their dogs joined family, friends, residents and colleagues for the special tribute.