Deborah Marqui
Deborah grew up in a large family of nine siblings. Raised by parents with strong German roots her life has been shaped and defined by many of these memories which she recalls in her memoir, From the Fire Into the Garden.
Since the early 70s, Deborah has studied spirituality and psychology. She earned a BS degree in education and then received a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, Jane Adams School of Social Work with a concentration on child and family therapy. She worked as a psychotherapist in a private practice, until her retirement in 2023.
In 1995, Deborah was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with no definable, successful treatment option. In her memoir, Deborah recounts in poignant detail, the journey from diagnosis and treatment to cancer free in 1996. Immersing herself in healing practices, Deborah’s story would unfold as she navigated her healing journey. Along this journey she understood the importance of integrating body, mind, and spirit into wholeness. Training and studies provided her with a deepened spiritual perspective on the emotional, physical, and spiritual energy of illness.
In 2002 Deborah was in remission from cancer. In the chapter ‘Called to Stillness,’ Deborah shares the Spirit-led guidance she received to share her healing journey and gardens with others. Deborah felt called to offer a peaceful retreat setting helping people to connect with God through nature. Her creative spirit manifests itself in the beauty found in her perennial gardens, and the quiet retreats found along the wooded paths. Deborah and husband, Buzz enjoy the tranquility of their property, Stone Hill Farm and have chosen to open their beautiful healing gardens as a meditative sanctuary for those with life-challenging illnesses or anyone seeking a path to emotional and physical wellness through nature.
In late 2023 Deborah received a diagnosis that there was a recurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Though this certainly changes the landscape of this season in her life, Deborah’s passion for the gardens remains steadfast. Her mission: to provide a safe, quiet place to experience the Sacred through wooded paths and perennial gardens. We welcome all, honoring each person’s faith tradition. Deborah is passionate about continuing to offer the healing benefits of nature to others, as she herself continues her healing journey in the gardens.
A New Beginning
In 1995 when I received a terminal diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, I knew that my approach to healing had to include not only my body but also my mind and spirit as they were all connected. Cancer diagnosis has a way of waking you up to life and I wanted to know who I was. To heal body, mind, and spirit I knew I needed to embrace a meditation practice. Several years prior to the diagnosis I was introduced to Centering Prayer (a Christian meditation practice that can be adapted to any spiritual tradition.)
After a few fledgling attempts I set the practice aside finding it was too difficult for my active mind. However, if I wanted to be a healed, balanced person, I knew meditation must be a part of my life. Every morning for 20 minutes I would meditate using Centering Prayer and then I would journal. In the summer, the front porch overlooking the front yard and a portion of a wooded area became my sacred place and, in the winter, a window that overlooked the woods. I began to see metaphors in Nature that taught me about myself, God, and life. What I began to realize is that being attentive in Nature takes you back to your senses. When you are fully engaged using your senses time stands still and a miracle occurs - you find yourself in the present moment. Each season began to reflect a new beginning of soulful understanding and I relished these quiet hours of solitude and discovery.
