A gift of fabric from the leftovers of Cecile Brochu’s cupboard became a lasting tribute and dedication to the active member of the Mallaig community, in the form of a quilt that was given to her family.
“Cecile was always so active in the community, with the seniors, in the church, everywhere,” recalled Maria Amyotte of the friend she had known for “years and years.” When Brochu passed away last year, her family donated her leftover quilting fabric to the Mallaig Flying Needles. Amyotte and seven other people who belong to the quilting club wanted to give something back to the family that would recognize Brochu’s love of quilting and “what kind of a beautiful lady she was,” said Amyotte.
“All eight of us contributed to it in one way or another,” she added. The group gifted the lap quilt to the family last Thursday.
Anne-Marie Amyotte, Brochu’s daughter, wasn’t expecting the fabric the family donated to come back in the shape of a gift in memory of her mother.
“I thought they were very generous. . . very thoughtful,” she said of the quilters. Given her mother’s enjoyment of quilting, she thought Brochu would have enjoyed the gift as well. “It would have touched her immensely.”
The quilting program, which is offered in Lac Bellevue and St. Lina in addition to Mallaig, is supported by the County of St. Paul FCSS department.
“We appreciate the support we get from FCSS; they’re always there to help us if we need it,” said Maria Amyotte, adding the quilting circles, that take place every Thursday at the Mallaig Seniors Centre, give people a social outlet. “Also, it’s a big sharing of everyone’s expertise, everyone from beginners to top-notch quilters.”
Tammy Elkow, director of County’s FCSS department, noted the programs are free and anyone of any age can participate in the quilting circles. When new people or less experienced quilters drop by, the more experienced quilters help them out, she said.
“They all become a very tight-knit group of friends,” she said. “It’s something that’s very positive.”
