Milly the quilter, a beloved friend to children in my classroom (and to me!) for ages, and the creator of many quilts designed by the children and hanging in places of prominence, has recently passed away. Her last words to me were, “Jennie, I am 88 years old. I have lived a wonderful life. What else is there?”
I will be posting a series of stories about Milly over the next few weeks. Her legacy needs to recognized. Her story, our story, is remarkable. Each quilt we created together was an adventure. So, hang onto your hats and enjoy the stories of Milly. Stay tuned for Part 1.
Jennie
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About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s passing, Jennie.
Thank you, John. I’m looking
To writing her / our stories. 🙂
So sorry to hear of Milly’s passing. I look forward to hearing her stories. xo
Thank you, Darlene. 🙂
I remember reading about Milly here before. So sad to hear of her passing Jennie. Xxx
Thanks, Ritu. She was a gem. 🙂
😊
So sad to hear that news. But her legacy will continue in your stories.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I do think her stories will have quite a tale to tell. Hoping to get Part 1 out tomorrow.
Milly will live on through your stories and in the hearts of those she touched. My condolences to you. I look forward to reading your coming stories. Thank-you!
Thank you so much, Ellen. This is a pleasure to write. Most likely Part 1 tomorrow. The stories are adventures in themselves. 🙂
I’m very sorry for your loss, Jennie.
I’m sure she will have left much of importance and touched many. I look forward to hearing about it.
🙂
So very hard to lose a friend. It is like losing a piece of your history. I look forward to learning about Jennie.
Thank you, Bernadette. Typing Part 1 this morning.
I mean Millie.
Actually, it is Milly. 🙂
I´m so very sorry for your loss, dear Jennie. I always loved when Milly made an appearance in your posts, her quilts were extraordinary. Looking forward to learn more about her in your upcoming posts. Hugs!
Thank you, Sarah. 🙂
Looking forward to your tribute. She sounds like an extraordinary
She certainly was, Cindy.
Lady.
🙂
My condolences to you, Jennie, and the scores of children who were touched by Milly.
Thank you, Steve. ❤️
I was sorry to hear this sad news, Jennie. I have enjoyed looking at the quilts and reading about Millie before.
Thank you, Robbie. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading about the quilts. I just finished Part 1 and am posting in the morning. She was a gem!
Oh, sorry to hear about Millie’s passing, Jennie. What a joy she was in your classroom, and I imagine she got as much out of it as she gave. Smiles and warm memories will continue. ❤
Yes they will, Diana. Win-win all the way around. I had fun writing Part 1 (posting tomorrow) and properly planning / reconstructing the series. So important to remember someone special. Thank you. 🙂
So sorry to hear of your personal loss and the larger loss to your students past, present and future.
What a legacy she left to her family and the community in which she lived.
Thank you so much, Laura. She left us all with more than memories. Yes, a legacy. 🙂
My sincere condolences, Jennie. Sigh, but to know you’ve left such a warm and loving legacy behind. I hope (and believe) she felt fulfilled. Great big hug. ❤
She really did, Teagan. And she felt she had lived a wonderful life. No sadness from Milly! ❤️
Oh, Jennie! I am so, so sorry to hear that Milly has transitioned. I’m sure she will be missed by everyone who’s life she touched. 88 is a good long life especially when it’s lived in such wonderful service and joy in her creativity. I’m sure her stories will be delightful. Looking forward to reading them.
Thank you, Marlene. You always have a way with words. ❤️ Milly would be the first to tell you she’s lived a long, wonderful life. I think she knows how much good she did for others, especially children. Her obituary talks about the Aqua Room and the quilts! I was humbled by that. I’ve finished Part 1 (posted In the morning) and it became clear what I thought would be three blog posts on Milly will be more. 😀
We can all only hope to be so well remembered. Looking forward to reading them.
You are so right, Marlene! Thank you for staying tuned.
Thank you Jennie for all your sharings and those yet to come of a wonderful lady who blessed the lives of many. I am grateful Milly was in all of your lives and a piece of her will always remain with each of you.
Love and hugz
That is so nice, Ren! 😍
Jennie, I am sorry to hear of her passing, and I am looking forward to reading your tributes.
Thank you, Charles. Part 1 is posted. 🙂
What a lovely way to memorialize your talented friend! My condolences.
Thank you, Rose.
Jennie, this will be a wonderful and special tribute to Milly and I look forward to reading all about her work! It must be very hard for you and the children to lose such a close personal and class friend.
Thank you, Annika. Milly was such a practical, positive person. Sadness and grief were not part of her DNA, although she experienced great sadness in her life, which you’ll read about. So, it doesn’t feel hard right now. When school begins… that will be a different story.
I just read a later post and have now read this one. Oh how sad, Jennie. What a wonderful gift Milly was to you. I’m glad you are sharing her legacy with us.
That’s so nice! Thank you!! The journey continues.
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
This is the beginning of a series that will be worth reading and following from Jennie!
Thank you, Charles! It will be a wild ride. 🙂
So good that she felt she’d lived a good life. I’m sure you will miss her just the same.
I certainly will, Anneli.
So sorry to hear about your friend’s passing Jennie. Now I know you’ll make her live on with words and quilts. 🙂 x
Thank you, Debby. 🙂
😦 ❤
A good quilter is a good storyteller. The riches you give your students will live on as will Milly’s. 🙂
Thank you, Lea. You are so right! 🙂
Ah man I just met Milly through your stories. I’m so sorry to read this but so grateful you are telling her stories. Millie is my youngest granddaughter’s name. She’s two. She would have loved your Milly and through your stories she’ll come to know and love her. *hugs* to you Jenny. I’m glad you have so many beautiful memories of Milly to sustain you through this very tough time. ♥.
That is so nice, Niki. Thank you. Hugs to you and your your granddaughter. 🙂
Thank you very much Jennie. ♥.
You are welcome, Niki. 😍
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Thank you so much!
So very sorry to hear of Milly’s passing. I’m very glad she was up to the challenge of your quilting projects and that she became a special friend and important part of your classroom.
Thank you, Marcia. She was a happy trooper to the end. As I write this legacy, it is becoming far more than I anticipated. There are so many stories to tell. This is a good thing! So stay tuned for a whole series of stories from beginning to end. It’s an adventure. 🙂
I’m sorry to read about Milly’s passing, Jennie. What a wonderful legacy she left in the hearts of your children and others who benefit from her beautiful quilts. You had an amazing partnership there that must be treasured. I have enjoyed reading her story, your story, the children’s story of the quilts – a very fitting tribute.
Ten years and four quilts is quite a legacy, Norah. She was a dear friend to me and especially to the children and Gloria. It was fitting that her passing was was swift and pain free. I will have to write a post on her August memorial service.
You will indeed. She was obviously a very special person.
Yes, she was.
Reblogged this on K. D. Dowdall and commented:
This is Milly, the Quilter.
🙂
Sorry for the loss, would love to read her stories!
Thank you, Bobby. You read the first one, the prologue. There are already a series of 8 stories posted in the order of what happened- Part 1, Part 2, etc. I hope you continue to read. It’s amazing what happened.
Beautiful!
Thank you!