That kindness extends beyond foster children and veterans. For Valentine’s Day, the group created small, quilted hearts to share with fellow residents—simple, handmade reminders that someone cares. “We have a lot of fun,” Mary says. “We laugh, and we build friendships here for ourselves.” “There is nothing like accomplishing something together,” Kath adds. “When you accomplish something with friends, there’s a special bond.” Their mission has grown in practical ways, too. During the fall craft sale, the group sold quilted items and held a raffle, raising $180. Every dollar went back into fabric and supplies—fuel to continue the work.
“It’s good to be needed and have a purpose and know somebody’s depending on you for something,” Kath adds.
Barb puts it simply: “It’s never too late. You’re never too old.”
Mary thinks about the child who might hold one of their quilts someday.
“If we just made these for ourselves just to sew…” she says, then pauses. “But we know it’s going to be a little child or a veteran getting it. They are at different stages in their lives, but they still need something to hold on to.” Kath shared a quote from Maya Angelou that she felt captured what these women understand so well: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Life Enrichment Coordinator Glenette Nothum sees more than fabric taking shape each week.
“You’re starting something that will keep going,” she says. “We hope that it will continue with other Cedarhurst residents or in other communities.” For Barb, quilting engages both hands and mind. “Why do I enjoy this? I love doing things with my hands; using my brain.”
At Cedarhurst of Tesson Heights, purpose is stitched into every seam.
And somewhere—perhaps in a hospital room or a child’s bedroom—warmth is unfolding.
But what keeps them returning each week is something deeper.
Scan here to watch their story featured on KMOV in St. Louis.
CEDARHURST SENIOR LIVING | SPRING FLOURISH 2026 19
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