I was lucky enough to call Patsy Eckman my friend for over 20 years. She was a beautiful bright light of love, laughter and limitless creativity. She passed away earlier this week after a brave battle with cancer. I'm going to miss her more than words can express.
I first met Patsy when I was pregnant with my daughter Kelly. We were cabin mates at a quilt retreat and she made me laugh like no one else could. She was also the most creative person I think I will ever meet. But she was humble, kind and generous as well. When she finished her project before the retreat was over she designated herself as my pressing assistant and pressed all of my strips and blocks for me so I could get more sewing done. Obviously, she made a good first impression!
She wasn't just a quilter, she was a fiber artist in the true sense of the word. She regularly made fabulous dolls and vases, boxes and bags, and her embellishments of each were exquisite. She could draw and paint as well. And her love of learning never ended! She went to quilting seminars and workshops for years, as well as taking online classes for all of her various endeavors. Her constant thirst for learning fed her skills and workmanship. She wasn't afraid to try anything!
But more than her creativity, was her joy and huge personality that were expressed in all she did. She created charity quilts with the same flourish and love that she put into her masterpieces. Her bright and brilliant inner light radiated from each project she completed.
When she was diagnosed with cancer almost a year ago, a few of us made this simple comfort quilt for her in her favorite bright colors and black and white prints. I hope it felt like a hug from us when she needed it most.
It's hard to say what I will miss most about Patsy because there is so much I'm going to miss. Her upbeat attitude, her can-do spirit, her joyful and fun-loving attitude, and her genuine kind heart and generous friendship will be remembered always. I imagine her beautiful spirit is somewhere right now finding something to embellish with stitches, beads and bling!
I often told Pasty that I wanted to be just like her when I grow up. I think that might be the best way to honor her beautiful bright light of love. Right now though, I'm really missing her.
Love you Patsy,
Diane
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. It's likely to feel like a large hole for awhile. I hope you were able to get a little of her stash so you can be reminded of this beautiful soul.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Cancer sucks! She sounds like an amazing lady.
ReplyDeleteI used to tell her the same thing - about being like her when I grow up. She was such a lovely friend and a great inspiration in my quilting world. She will leave an empty space in all our lives. (Helga)
ReplyDeleteI am just a lurker but this is such a beautiful tribute to your friend. Sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you. She was obviously a special friend.
ReplyDeletexo
What a wonderful telling of your friend--I am so sorry that she had to leave this world--but it sure sounds like she left it better than she found it--Bless you for being her friend too--
ReplyDeletelove, diane (too)
What a wonderful memorial. I think most of us hope for people who can remember us this way! Truly a loss but wonderful memories will remain!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your dear and special friend. The comfort quilt you all presented to her is a work of heartfelt art. Thank you for sharing Patsy talents with us. I'm sending warm hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteThere's a void in our hearts when we experience the loss of a very special friend. You'll have those special times together to cherish and remember.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to read this and I'm so sorry for your loss. Sounds like y'all made wonderful memories. Beautiful quilts.
ReplyDeleteDiane, so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Patsy. What a lovely tribute and what a lovely friend. Sending hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteOh Diane I'm sorry for your loss.... you wrote a wonderful tribute to your friend because she was so special and so wonderful.....
ReplyDeleteRemember the fabulous moments with her...
Warm kisses.....
It's very hard to lose a fun and loving friend. Your photo of the mermaid doll reminded me of a fellow quilter we also lost to cancer. She also made dolls and would have loved this one. A wonderful tribute. You will find that you remember her when you least expect it.
ReplyDeletePat
With tears in my eyes I express how sorry I am for your loss of such a loving friend. Having a friendship such as the one you shared is such a blessing, what a gift you will always treasure. Your kind of friendship doesn't come along often, cherish your memories and know she will always be with you.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to a very special friend, I am sad for you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you lost such a good quilting friend. I have lost a few myself and it leaves a hole. You have your memories of times spent together.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing about Patsy. I didn't know her but am sending hugs to you and all her family.
ReplyDeleteDiane, what a beautiful tribute to Patsy. I haven't seen her for many years but I do remember her beautiful smile. She was always so happy and upbeat. My thoughts are with her family and her many friends.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have had a friend like Patsy. Such a friend enriches and changes our lives for the better. I see you have good photos to go along with your good memories. May you be blessed as you recall those special memories.
ReplyDelete