Monday, February 29, 2016

INSPIRING WOMEN - HELEN'S GRANDMOTHERS

Memory Cloth – HELEN’S GRANDMOTHERS

Helen Klebesadel honors both her grandmothers, 
Helen Sherwood Richardson and Ruth Hodgson Klebesadel with inspiring her to become an artist.

 “As the first daughter in my family I was named Helen Ruth after both of my grandmothers.  This made me feel special all of my early life because
I shared their names.  They both inspired as the matriarchs of their families.  It was they who showed me what it looked like to be a strong woman leader.  

My grandmother Ruth could make something beautiful from nothing. She could cook, garden, sew, landscape, and she was an excellent interior designer.  She knew how to make things beautiful and make beautiful things.

My grandmother Helen lost her husband to drowning at 30, leaving her with five children to support.  She worked and raised her children running a hardware store and as the town funeral director.  There were often bodies in her parlor and her car served as hearse AND an ambulance.  She knew how to help people care for each other, even during the worst times in their lives.  

I am honored to share their names.”

Made July 4 2015