Jenna's Grandmother

Three years ago, when Terry was lobbying me to pick up the reins of Wrap-A-Smile, she shared many stories of the wonderful people whom she had met through her quilting and Rotary worlds.  One story in particular stood out to me, the bond between a grandmother and granddaughter who sewed a quilt together for WAS. It became a summer tradition, with the quilts getting more detailed as the granddaughter got older.  I loved the story and having two little granddaughters of my own, I immediately put that on my own "someday" list.

Then out of the blue, a few weeks ago, I was contacted by a young woman named Jenna whose grandmother had passed away.  Jenna explained that because her grandmother Eileen had loved to sew and had made many quilts for WAS, the family would like to suggest that memorial donations be made to WAS.  I was very touched, thinking how thoughtful and generous that a granddaughter would encourage this means to honor her grandmother.

And then I started sleuthing.  

Going back in Terry's handwritten log books, I found mentions of quilts received from Eileen Mallon and then I found Granddaughter Jenna.... first in the summer of 2004, and for several years after.  And another granddaughter Tessa shows up in this journey.  Eureka!  Now there are names and faces to go with the story! 

Jenna's mother Linda (who claims the quilting gene skipped her generation!) and I are now email pals and she has shared a few pictures to help tell the story.   

Jenna and Eileen's first quilt for WAS

Jenna and her grandparents, with her college graduation quilt made by Eileen

Granddaughter Tessa with her graduation quilt from  Eileen

With the family's permission I am sharing a portion of Eileen Mallon's obituary:

"One of Eileen's favorite quotes comes from Mother Teresa: 'Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love'. That quote captures the essence of how Eileen lived her life.  Every day she did countless small things through her acts of love and kindness, without fanfare or expectations, to support and enhance the lives of others.  She led with a quiet selflessness, gentle heart and unshakable inner strength.  Eileen's love language was expressed through her actions.  She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She was supportive, accepting and non-judgmental.  She chronicled the lives of her family with wonderful photo albums, journals and scrapbooks.  Eileen was a fabulous cook and enjoyed creating special meals for those she loved.  She taught herself to quilt and made more than a hundred over the years; for special milestones and occasions such as the 1,000-piece Millennium quilt she made for each of her children, and for children she didn't know through the Wrap-A-Smile charity."

Many thanks to the Mallon family for remembering WAS, for sharing this story

and for the donations received in Eileen Mallon's name.  

Eileen at "work" in Vermont