This card was passed out at the memorial service.
It’s an odd thing to say that a eulogy was inspirational. Yet for Milly, how could it be anything less? And, it’s unusual to laugh out loud at the words the minister says about someone who is deceased. But again, when it comes to Milly…
It happened like this:
Milly’s funeral, a memorial service, was held in an old New England church – 250 years old to be exact – in pouring rain and humidity that felt like I was sitting in the rain. My husband and I arrived quite early, only to discover everyone else had the same idea. The church was packed. Sardines in a sauna. The minister was a young man who didn’t know Milly well. He began by telling the congregation of his first meeting with Milly.
“Where’s my quilt?” Milly asked me. I’ve had plenty of odd questions, but that one took the cake. Here I was, new to the church, and this woman comes right up to me and asks about her quilt. What quilt?
Everyone is laughing! And the minister continues.
You see, Milly had made a huge quilt for the 250th anniversary of the church. I had no idea, but Milly told me all about it. And, where was it? After months of searching, the quilt was found tucked away in a box during renovations. We found her quilt four days after she died. It now hangs again.
I look around and see the faces of many quilters and friends. Milly is at peace. Be sad if you must, but she would want you to celebrate her life. She is at peace.
Peace! Of course. No wonder the Peace Quilts we made together are wonderful. That was Milly. Yup!
A church that was full of quilters knew the story he told. I didn’t. After all, my time with Milly was only in the last ten years. I looked around and thought of all the experiences and quilting she, and they, must have had. I felt like a little girl at Thanksgiving listening to all the stories the grown-ups told. And so, I listened.
Milly’s son gave the eulogy. He pointed out two quilts displayed in front of the alter alongside all the flowers. One was the first quilt he had as a child. The other was a recent one.
Mom made it this year, and I asked her if I could have it. I’ve never asked her for a quilt. She was so happy. So now I have two, one from the beginning of my life, and one from the end of hers.
When Mom first became sick and was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, I spent that night with her. She told me story after story, things I’d never known. She was happy. Afterwards, she had no recollection of that night nor the stories she had told.
I had witnessed her soul.
My mother can be described in one word. Love.
Yes, she can.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
If a funeral can ever be described as ‘perfectly beautiful’, that was the one.
Best wishes, Pete.
You are right, Pete!
A lovevly send off for her 😘
Thank you, FR. It was!
A beautiful post.
Thank you.
A perfect memorial for Milly.
It was!
This is such a moving story about Milly’s funeral. I’d say that all the love she gave to others came back to her tenfold.
Beautifully said, Liz. I think so, too.
😊
A life well spent. So beautiful.
Well said, and true. Many thanks.
The best way for a funeral to be.
You are so right!
A perfect card for her.
Thanks, Anneli.
beautiful eulogy. I always feel a a little sad when I learn so much about someone during their funeral, wishing I had known those things when they were alive.
I know what you mean, Jim. I learned much about Milly at her funeral. Many thanks.
Thanks for sharing, Jennie. Rest in Peace, Milly.
Thank you, John.
😊
this sounds like the perfect way to celebrate and sum up a life well lived. Millie’s legacy will live on and you are a huge part of that.
I think so, too. Many thanks, Beth!
It sound perfect. RIP Milly. I need a tissue.
It was, Deborah. Tissues were needed!
All around I’m sure.
🥰
Those are some marvelous memories, Jennie. Milly touched a lot of lives through her quilts. Thanks for sharing her story again.
She really did, Pete. So many memories! I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Beautiful send off to a lovely and a loving woman. Thanks a lot dear Jennie 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
Quilts marking a life, touching lives…the spirit of Milly. peace, friend.
That’s lovely, Laura! Peace to you, and many thanks.
That card says it all, Jennie. A lovely testament to a life fully lived.
Yes, very much so. Thank you, Bruce.
This was absolutely beautiful!
Hi Jennie, thank you for this beautiful post!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Charles!
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
A beautiful tribute to an extraordinary woman.
Thank you, Cathy. She was one in a million!
Thanks for sharing Milly’s story. I think I’ve mentioned to you before that my best friend from childhood, and still today – over 50 years of friendship- lives in Pepperell. I noticed that is where the funeral home was. Was the church also there? Was Milly from Pepperell? My friend is also a quilter, albeit much younger than Milly was, but I wonder if they ever crossed paths.
Milly was from Dunstable, right next to Pepperell. The church is right beside Swallow Union School, on the common. It would be so cool if they crossed paths!
Always welcome Jennie ❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
This is so touching, Jennie. Thank you, and thank you for your kind heart and generous spirit. Hugs on the wing.
I’m so glad it was touching for you..Thanks for your very kind words, Teagan! Hugs!
A lovely post, Jennie.
RIP dear Milly!
★❅💙 ꧁❦🎼❦꧂ 💙❅★
Thank you, Resa!
A beautiful tribute. 🙏💐
Thank you!
Beautiful and moving. RIP Milly. 🧡
Thanks, Debby. She was amazing.
A legend in the Aqua room! 🥰
Very much so! 😍
That poem at the beginning is amazing and a perfect tribute to Milly. I know you and the aquaroomers she touched will never forget her. She made great memories with and for you all. Rest in peace, dear Milly.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Carla!