Sunday, May 8, 2016

Sad News

This has been a week for the books. This is Tammy, Carol's darling daughter. Once known as Lady Jane when I crossed her. On the afternoon of Friday, April 29th, I was walking her grandpup and I got a text from my dad. "Mom is being transported by ambulance to Grafton Hospital where her neurologist is waiting for her." She was in pain, a little woozy, and not feeling herself to say the least. Still, not knowing what was going on, she was given oxygen and admitted. Once her oxygen levels normalized, we upped the pain meds and started the fight. What is going on with her?

Over the course of last weekend we were all still searching for hope. She had an EMG, a few blood draws, and another MRI. She slowly started to become a little more confused which got us very concerned. Turns out her carbon dioxide levels were way above normal. Like, way above. She was sleeping the majority of the time and moving in and out of consciousness. During this time her creative spark was still ablaze! She kept pointing interesting things, like how the different room fixtures looked like a dogs face or a soldier. Even in the hospital room her creative mind couldn't help but see interesting sights. I started to get a little more back stage access to her amazing mind. 

By Monday she had very few moments of lucidity. By Tuesday she was sleeping all the time. Her pain was always managed and she was never alone excluding the hours between 9pm and 8am.

On Thursday, May 5th, as the doctors wanted to do more invasive procedures and begin a new treatment to potentially help the underlying issue. It was painfully clear to us that we may have already gone beyond her adamant wishes. On Friday we met with a palliative care team and began the hospice process. She never had to move rooms (which were decorated with her quilts and flowers). The nursing staff which got to know her when she was sparky and sweet, loved her and cried with us through to the end.

She passed yesterday at 5:05. I was there, as were several other family members. We were all with her, touching her in some way and watching her as she gently let go bit by bit. She left so beautifully. As if one moment she became way more interested in something else. Her body that was so used to fighting for breath stopped its urgency. Her breath became relaxed. Its as if we could watch her creative interests move from one world to the next. When she left us we were all in awe. Many tears were shed throughout the week and throughout the day, but at that moment we were purely in awe. 

In celebration of her we all opened a can of diet pepsi and toasted to her amazingly beautiful, colorful, honest life. 

Thank you all for giving her the medium she deserved. Thank you for seeing her, loving her, and supporting her.

If any of you has something of hers I would be touched if you could take a picture of it, post it to Facebook and tag her. It has been healing to see all of her work touch so many people.

Her funeral will be this Wednesday, May 11 from 4-7 at Faith Lutheran Church on Division Road in Germantown. 


89 comments:

Carol said...

I'm so very sorry to hear of Carol's passing. I had no idea she was so ill. I only "know" her through this blog and have enjoyed every post she wrote. Her creativity was amazing and inspired me in many ways. I corresponded with her several times with questions I had and she was always prompt and detailed. I will miss her blog so much. I hope you will keep the blog up for a while as there is so much creativity and inspiration on it. I'm going to look back through past posts now. Will be thinking of all of you through the days ahead.

Carol said...

I'm so sorry to read this post. I have enjoyed following Carol's blog and will miss seeing her drawings and lovely faces. She was so talented. The farewell you gave her seemed so beautiful and perfect for her. No ending is ever easy and you handled it with such grace and dignity. We should all be so lucky in our final exit. I will miss her but thankful I stumbled across her blog several years ago. I don't have anything of hers to take a picture of..... Just nice memories of the art she shared with us. My thoughts to all her family.
Carol

Ray and Jeanne said...

I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I have followed Carol's blog for a long time and loved her creativity. My prayers are with your entire family. ~Jeanne

Allie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss - my prayers are with your family!!

Poppyprint said...

Thank you for sharing Carol's passing with us. There is such a large community, spread far and wide, that was touched by her creative spirit and generosity. I was only recently in touch with her by email last month, after a very long time without any contact, when she left a comment on my blog reminding me, gently that I'm an artist. I will post some photos on FB later today, both of swap gifts she are for me and tree skirts I made from her pattern that she generously let me teach to my guild. She will be so missed. I'm very sad for your family's loss. With love, Krista.

Mary said...

I'm sorry for your losing your mom. She was a very talented lady. she made my Quilted self and I treasure it. Thanks for sharing the end of her story with us. My prayers will be with you as you say goodbye.

Mary said...

I'm sorry for your losing your mom. She was a very talented lady. she made my Quilted self and I treasure it. Thanks for sharing the end of her story with us. My prayers will be with you as you say goodbye.

Kathleen said...

OMgosh....I can't believe this....I met her through her blog and just loved her drawings and her little quilts...in fact, she sent me one of her envelopes which I will gladly post (where on FB). What a creative lady..
I am so sorry for your loss..it is devastating, for sure. May you find comfort through the Lord and may she rest in peace.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed.

Aliceart said...

I'm so sorry find that an amazing creative heart and mind has left us. She worked so hard to get better. I have read her blog for a long time, and enjoyed and admired her very much. The loss to your family must be tremendous. I will pray for her and you all.

Anonymous said...

Oh Tammy, I'm so very sorry to hear of Carol's passing. It sounds like she is released now from all her pain and suffering, but of course it doesn't make it any easier for you.
I have several pieces Carol made me and sent to New Zealand. I have been an avid follower of Carol's work for about 5 years.
All our love from New Zealand during this time. Xxx

Anita : Shabby Quilt said...

So sorry to hear of Carols passing. I will miss following her work and her blog. She will be sadly missed. Sorry for the families loss.

Sondra said...

So sorry for the passing of your Mom ...what talent she had, I followed her on the Blog and on Flickr where she posted her beautiful creations.

Poppyprint said...

Tammy, I wasn't able to tag my FB photos because carol and I weren't FB friends, only Flickr buddies, but I posted pictures on my wall, Krista Hennebury

Amy Friend said...

I am so sad to hear this news. I emailed her just a month or so ago and she was still hopeful that the doctors would figure out what was going on. I hoped that she would have a full recovery. I met her years ago on Flickr and swapped with her on one lucky occasion where I received a birds on the line mini quilt from her. She will be missed by so many.

gpc said...

So sorry for your loss, and for the frustration of this last illness. We were all hoping for the best. She will be missed.

alobsiger said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed your mom's creativity immensely and was very happy she shared it with the world. Much love to your family. Amy

Reene@Nellie's Niceties said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Mum. I "met" Carol on Flickr many years ago now and have always been inspired by her awesome talent. I was lucky to feature as one of her ladies when I was fortunate enough to be paired with her in a swap. I'll post a picture on Facebook tomorrow. I'm in shock having only been in email contact with her a few weeks ago. My thoughts are with you all x

Unknown said...

My sincerest sympathy to all your family, and thank you so much for sharing with us. Sue (New Zealand)

Christine M said...

Sorry to hear of Carol's passing. Sending hugs to you and your family.

Terri in BC said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I loved reading your mom's blog and seeing her creative genius. I hope you keep her blog and flikr accounts open, so that she can still be "present" in this world. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Michele said...

Such sad news. I'm thinking of you and your family. Your mom's creativity and wit has inspired many. So much talent. I will miss her.

Maria said...

So sorry for your loss. The world has lost a amazingly creative mind xxx

Susan said...

I read of Carol's sad passing yesterday on IG- Silort on Flick'r posted a beautiful tribute. I then spent some time going back through Carol's Flick'r feed, amazed and in awe of her talent. I was lucky enough to receive a Christmas mug rug, an envelope and some itty bitty blocks from her over the years and will cherish them always. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Ellyn said...

I'm so very sorry. Carol and I emailed often and she did portrait quilts of my mom and I. We will always treasure them. God bless your sweet family.

Lori in NC said...

Dear Tammy - I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I have enjoyed following her quilts and other projects on her blog. Thinking of you and your family.

Charlotte M. said...

Dear Tammy, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I loved Carol's blog and all her creative efforts. She was one of a kind. I have one of her "Ladies" that she did of me a couple of years ago. I will post it on my Facebook page. If i can't tag it, I am Charlotte Maxwell. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Charlotte

Jeanie said...

This is so tragic for all of you and the blogging world has lost a great inspiration. As you know, she has blogged about all of the trials and tests with less than great results....a mystery, it seemed. I enjoyed her happy art work and have one of her pincushions....which I will treasure even more. God bless you as you travel this journey of grief.

Debbie said...

I was heartbroken when I read on Facebook that Carol had passed. She was so darn creative. I have been looking on the blog for her to write an update and actually had done it yesterday morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I do have something that she made me in a swap and I thought this morning that I would haul it out, photograph it and put it on Facebook. I will do that asap.

Thank you for taking the time to share this with the world. She was so special.

Dianne said...

How incredibly sad for your family. To loose such a vibrant, funny and talented Mother, Wife and Grandmother.
I only knew Carol through this blog but her humour and talent brought so much laughter and enjoyment to my life!
I can only imagine how much you will miss her. I hope it helps to know that there are so many people out here in the world that will miss her too and who's lives are better for having known her even if only from afar.
I am very fortunate to have a piece of her work. I will post it to facebook later today.
May the memories you have of finer days and funnier times with your Mom help you through the days ahead and sustain you in the years to come.

brownj6610 said...

So sorry for Carol's passing. I had wanted to be Lady 100, but she told me she was going to be Lady 100. She sent me an envelope and card which I will treasure. I haven't been able to find her Facebook ID in order to post a picture of my envelope.
Jane

Robynn said...

Dear Tammy and family, thank you for posting about your sweet mother. She was so talented, I received a selfie Minnie quilt from her an I love it. I just love the quilting she did. I'm am so sorry for your loss.

Jean Campbell said...

I am so sorry to hear of Carol's death. Latecomer to her blog, I admired her brave and hopeful attitude.

Toni Macomb said...

This is indeed a sad day. She was a beautiful, talented woman. She shared so much with us. I felt like I really knew her. I can't imagine what it is like for you right now. I also have lost someone too early and like you, when the time came found comfort in the fact that their passing finally came with some peace. So yes, drink those Diet Pepsi's and treasure the time you had.

Misty said...

Dear Tammy,

I loved seeing your mother's beautiful creations that she shared here. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and wish your family peace and comfort in a difficult time.

Christine S said...

I'm so sad and sorry to see this post :( Her work and posts always brightened my day. Hugs to you all

Maria said...

I will miss following Carol's Blog. She did a portrait for me which I love..My thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time.

Cissa K said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I have been following your mom's blog for quite a few years and loved her pictures on envelopes so much that I started doing a few simple ones when I write cards to my son.
I am heart broken; but want to know that my thoughts are with you and your family.

Susan said...

I am devastated about this.. I have thoroughly enjoyed following this blog, and your mother and I had many chats going back and forth. Your mother's creativity was amazing. I too have a quilt portrait which I love and it is now even more special. I will certainly post it on facebook.
I understand this an especially difficult time for you all - but thanks you so much for letting us all know...and I do hope you can let the blog stay for quite some time as many of us will enjoy going back and re-living our memories.

Many many hugs to you all.

conny's quilts en creaties said...

I wish you an your family all the best to cope with the passing of your mother. For several years I enjoyed to follow her blog with beautiful creative ideas.
My sincere regards, Conny (Netherlands)

Mary said...

I'm so sorry for your loss xx

I have loved seeing her creations on this blog.

Peggy said...

I am so sorry to hear of her passing, although I'm sure heaven is an even more beautiful place now with all of her creativity in full swing. And just think of all the beautiful music she is hearing with all of the recently passing musicians! I so thoroughly enjoyed her blog and would check every few days to see if she had updated us on her illness. So many people were touched by her generous, loving and creative spirit. Treasure those envelopes she sent the children - they were awesome and will always keep a part of her in your heart.

Annemiek said...

Like many others I read Carol's blog and was ( still am) very inspired by her creativity and use of colour. Her designs always brought a smile.
Wishing you and yours strength to cope with her passing.
Regards, Annemiek (the Netherlands)

Moneik said...

My deepest sympathy in your time of loss. I never knew your mother, only through her amazing blog posts. She was a friend to my friend Jen Wehr and I loved seeing all of her creativity. She was an inspiration to many. I will miss her sparky blog posts. Moneik Stephens, South Dakota.

Leslie said...

May your family be strengthened by memories of your creative loving mother. I only knew her through her blog but she felt like a friend. Leslie Sorenson, California

ailsa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I was lucky to be able to order quilts for my mum and aunt just two years ago. The world has lost an incredibly talented lady. My thoughts are with you and your family xx

Needled Mom said...

Our loss in this quilty/bloggy world is great, but I cannot begin to imagine the depth of loss for your family. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with all of you.

Susan said...

So sorry for the loss of a special creative soul. Thinking of you and all the family and friends. Huge hugs

Jo said...

So sorry for your lose, but pleased your Mom is no longer in pain. Your Mom inspired so many ladies from all over the world through her blog and Flickr and will be sorely missed. I loved all of Carols work and longed for her to be my swap partner but alas I was never lucky enough to be paired with her. My thoughts are with you all Jo Lloyd, England.

Mama Spark said...

I am so sad to hear of your mom's passing. She was an amazingly talented woman. I am so sorry for your family's loss. Prayers for you and your family!

Karen said...

Dear Tammy, I am so sorry for your loss. I have 'known' your mom over the last decade or so through her posts on the old sewing forum, this blog, and over the phone. She very kindly sent me many patterns, laces, threads, books, fabrics, and patterns when she decided not to do heirloom sewing anymore several years ago. She is often on my mind in my sewing room. I will miss her and her amazing creativity. May God bless you and your family.

beachiesews said...

Thank you Tammy, for sharing the passing of "our Carol, mamacjt". I am so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed Carol through Flickr. I had to sew for her a few times...I always felt kind of sorry for her when I got her name in a swap...and I was very nervous to sew for her. How could I possibly sew good enough for Carol??? But...she also sewed for me! She made a beach babe mug rug that we named Miss Badonkadonk...and my grandson really really liked that one! He always mentioned Miss Badonkadonk when he was at my house and saw her hanging on my computer table!!! I will treasure my mugrug! What a talent!

I send you, your father and family my sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother and wife. God Bless all of you in this difficult time and always. Sue. Beachgirl Sews.

beachiesews said...

I must add...Carol also sent my son an envelope while he was in Afghanistan....that meant the world to my mother-heart...I cannot tell you how much that meant to me. My son and his wife were so appreciative as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dear Carol.

Kathy H said...

I am so sorry to hear about Carol, I have enjoyed reading her blog for a long time and so enjoyed seeing her creations.she will be greatly missed.

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Carols passing. I've read her blog for years and will very much miss her. A truly creative and wonderful soul that has left, even for those who didn't know her except by way of her blog, so many memories. My thoughts are with you and your family.

rondiquilts said...

I will miss your Mother's blog posts. She had such a generous spirit and I always loved everything she posted. Loved it all. I am so happy that so many have little pieces of her art all over. What a testament to her talent. Blessings to your family.

Rondi

lulu said...

such very sad news to hear that Carol has passed. I have followed her blog for some years & have loved her incredible mug rugs, postacrds & delightful quilts that look like drawings. A very clever lady ... who was super helpful too when I was corresponding with her about patterns & drawings (way over here in New Zealand). Thoughts are with you all Tammy, Lyn/lulu

Marilyn said...

I am so very sad for you and your family that you have lost your beautiful, talented Mum. I treasure so much my "self" that she created for me. I was her lady ni 50 I think. What a lovely tribute to her as you wrote about her last days and the creativity that continued till the end. RIP Carol.

Mary said...

Like so many others, I knew Carol only through her postings. She always made me smile with her quirky art and was most generous in responding to questions and comments. We have truly lost someone special.

Calicojoan said...

Our hearts are heavy. We've lost a wonderful inspiration and friend in the blogging community. One can only guess the pain the family is going thru. Virtual hugs to you all. Her spirit will live with all forever! God Bless.

mamadevlin said...

My deepest, deepest sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your mother. She was just a wonderful, creative and talented women and I always looked forward to reading her blog. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories and her many creative creations.
God Bless!!

Sewing Sue said...

My condolences on your loss. I loved following Carol's blog, she was so creative. She will be missed, but I'm sure she's in a better place now, stitching with the angels.

Leanne said...

I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. She has always been a huge inspiration to me as a quilter and a maker. I was involved with her in swaps and I learned so very much from her. Her contribution to the creative community has been huge and she will be greatly missed. I sure had been hoping to hear that her health was improving, so this is very sad news. I am so glad she had her family close and her passing was peaceful.

Pansy Patchwork said...

Echaré de menos entrar en su blog y disfrutar con sus diseños,colores y forma de coser que me encanta. Mis oraciones para ella, una gran quilter.

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

I don't know what to say. I 'met' her through my blog and she followed me and commented when I first returned to quilting. I continued to be an avid follower and shared participation in swaps with her as well. She was so humble about her creativity. She always pawned it off but she truly was amazing! I wish I could of had her do my portrait. As a librarian and book lover I especially loved her decorated envelopes. She was truly a special creative lady who will be missed!

The Retired Mama said...

I am so so sorry. I hope the Doctors were finally able to make a diagnosis. I have followed Carols blog for many many years. I was thrilled when a few years ago she put her toddler smocked dresses up for sale. My granddaughters have one. Such skill she had in her sewing. I know your heart is aching. Carol had many admires here on this Earth. She was not only a talented artist but also such a happy and generous person. I will truly miss her posts.

dianne said...

i grieve with you - carol was an amazing woman and the World is less now that she is gone

Peggyinno said...

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I have been following your mom's blog for quite a few years and was very inspired by her talent. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Unknown said...

So very sorry for your loss. Read your Mother's blog and loved it, She will be very much missed. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Elizabeth V Kelbaugh said...

I pray that God will give you comfort. I appreciate her creative and joyful spirit.

suz said...

thank you so much for letting us know about your Mom's passing. As with many other people here, I got to know your Mom through her blog. She was a lovely, caring, creative woman. I will certainly miss her stories and her quilts. I am so sorry for your loss and will include your Mom and all of you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

My deepest condolences to your family for the passing of your mother, Carol. She was such a bright spot in my day and I'm thankful for all she shared with her readers. RIP Carol. We will miss seeing your creative spirit at work but know that now there's one more bright star in the night sky.

Christie - Fine Lines said...

Thank you for writing to tell us all your sad news. Sending my best to you and your family in this time of loss.

Outback Crafter - Debra said...

Oh Tammy.

What a horrid time for your family & a shock for us in blog-landia.

I only know Carol through this blog and her amazing sewing.

I have a Carol original sewing lady and I love it. I love your description of Carol's creativity 'crossing over'. That is a beautiful description and fits the mental picture I have of her.

Thank yo for sharing this news with us. All the best for your family.

Regards
Debra
Roma, Queensland, Australia

Unknown said...

Tammy, I am so sorry about your mom. She was an inspiration with her envelopes, lady quilts and her book lists. I did read most of them. My dad had a stroke last May and pasted 2 days later. It is so hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was so proud of her kitchen. I will truly miss mamacjt.
Debby Leake. Iowa

Patchwork Daily Desire said...

Oh, Caroool!...
My tears for you and all my prayers... rest in peace my sweet friend! I will always remember you, mamacjt, like a teacher: to create THAT NEW and spread love in every single little thing you touched. Sorry Tammy for your loss, be strong!

Unknown said...

Dear Tammy, I loved reading your mom's blog! I only knew through her blog, but she was so outgoing, talented, creative, and honest. I think she made everyone feel as if you were friends since grade school and could pop in for cup of coffee, tea , or, even a soulder. I am sure you knew that your mom was an extremely talented women and will be horribly missed in the art world, and I mean World, her blog was read world
wide. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Jackie, Alberta, Canada

Bianca said...

Dear Tammy and other family of Carol,

I'm so startled to read this news, about Carol's passing.
We all read her decline in health, but never saw this coming.

I'm proud to call myself "one of her ladies", for she made my face in fabric for me. I will forever cherise it and think of her and all her creative energy and loving blogs she wrote.

Wishing you and your loved ones all the strenght to deal with this loss.
With love,
Bianca from the Netherlands.

KaHolly said...

Dear Tammy and family, I am totally blown away by this news. Being entwined my helping another friend through major health issues, I'm just today able to pop in for an update by your mom. I never expected this and I'm just beside myself with grief. Your mom has been very kind to me. I will miss her, her incredible talent, and her caring ways. Please accept my deepest condolences. ~karen

Sheila said...

My deepest sympathy to you and your family . I loved your mother's work , she was extremely talented and always made me smile with her creativity . Heaven will be that much more beautiful now . GOD bless .

Lesley said...

Sending so many prayers and hugs. Your mom was such a talented quilter and reading her blogs about her quilting adventures were always inspirational. Thank you for sharing your family's story with us.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I know she was a wonderful woman. I had been in a couple of swaps on flickr with her and have admired and been inspired by her work for many years. I often see her work pop up on pinterest and whether its's one of her mini quilts, a postcard,a pouch or a pincushion,it's instantly recognizable as hers. She had her own special flair. She will be greatly missed.

althea9998@gmail.com said...

Tammy, Thank you for writing to your mom's blog family. She made life beautiful, creating as she lived, expressing her beauty from within. For every comment above, there must be 100 - 1000 or more people who enjoyed your mom's sweetness she expressed in her art and on her blog. She is missed; she was loved.

Paula said...

Tammy, I have just come across Carol's work and blog and am so very sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a wonderfully talented lady and everything I have seen relects a lady who can only have been a truly beautiful and creative spirit. Healing thoughts to you and all she has left behind. May she rest in peace.

Barbara said...

I return to this page every now and then because I refuse to believe that this funny creative lady is no longer here. She always made me laugh when I was down and always poked me when I wasn't sewing. I miss my dear friend.

Createology said...

Tammy thank you for this update (which I sincerely hate!). I adored your mom even though we never met other than blogging. May your wonderful memories stay with you and bring you strength.

kiwikid said...

Tammy,I am so sad to hear of your mothers passing, but it was lovely to read she went beautifully. I am another proud owner of a "me" quilt which I love. I did so enjoy reading Carols blog posts and seeing the envelopes she created. She will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with you all. Hugs.

Gmama Jane said...

Tammy, I am in complete and utter shock! Carol was one of those larger than life creative souls! I am "Lady 19" which hangs above my sewing machine. Obviously, I think of Carol everyday. Of all my quilting treasures, my Quilted Portrait is the most commented on and admired. Carol was one of a kind for sertain! I remember asking her why she wasn't quilting as much and she said the interest had simply left and it was easier to create the postcards she was so famous for. I wish I had one of those! Carol's artwork and quilt projects are widely seen all over social media, quilt blogs, quilt sites, Flickr, etc....She will definitely live on through her creative pursuits.....I'm grateful to know her passing was peaceful and inspirational for you and the rest of the family! Please accept my sincerest condolences for your great loss. Thank you for writing such a gracious update. Please leave the blog up for a time so that many of us can go back and read posts we missed and enjoy her creativity one last time!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Sheila said...

I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a wonderfully talented lady, generous with her ideas, clearly loved her family and life. Please know that she will surely be missed.