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
