A Memorial

In 2017 I began a series of stories and interviews with quilters that came from a long line of quilters in their family... I called it "Quilters Through The Generations" and I began at an obvious starting point for me... my family.

I included stories from two cousins, my Mom, a great-grandmother and an uncle.

One of those cousins, Diane Ashton, recently passed away.  If you read her story, you will find that she wasn't really a quilter... rather, she was a quilt collector.  She had 50+ quilts... all documented and registered with the Colorado Quilt Consortium.

Diane's brother is working to get all of the documentation of these quilts, including digital photographs, into files and formats that can be easily accessed.

Diane's sons chose to have her buried with one of her most precious quilts... a pink "Hearts & Flowers" quilt that was made by her mother and grandmother.  

Diane was kind and thoughtful person.  Our daughter, Rebecca, was privileged to live with her for a short time as she completed a clinical rotation for the Physical Therapy Assistant program she completed in college.  The rotation was with the Colorado School of Deaf & Blind, just a short distance from where Diane lived... which reduced the amount to travel time required for the completion of this rotation.  It was during the winter, and we all felt better about the whole situation.  Diane even made the 2-hour drive to attend Rebecca's graduation party.  

When my Mom had her double knee replacement surgery her rehab facility was just a few minutes away from Diane's home.  Diane made it a point to visit her several times during the 10-day stay Mom had at the facility. 

Diane will be missed by many!  May you rest in peace.

As we wrapped up the downsizing sale for Mom after her move, I am reminded of the importance of letting your family know your wishes and desires for the end of your life... BEFORE the end of your life.

I wrote of this topic almost a year ago as I reflected on the anniversary of 9/11 and the lives lost on that tragic day.

You can find a sample Quilter's Letter of Instruction at Quiltblox.com.

If you haven't written such a letter, please consider it!

If you are part of a family of quilters and would like to be featured in a "Quilters Through the Generations" story, let me know.  I would love to revive the series...

Keep Piecing,

Melva