Edith Lawrence-Hilliard has long been a beloved fixture around Goodman. A former center employee, she now contributes her vibrant energy and creativity to our older adult program as both participant and volunteer. Edith’s dedication and passion for community shines through every thread of her latest creation: a legacy quilt. This quilt, rich in color and meaning, stands as a tribute not only to her family but also to the power of intergenerational storytelling and art.

Edith at the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show — Edith Hillard at her special exhibit for the 2024 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.

Edith is part of a quilting group known as the Memory Collectors, which meets monthly at the Creator’s Cottage. Their mission is “to transform the lives of women, children, and families of color through the creative arts.” The quilts they make aren’t just textiles — they are memory-keepers, community-builders and tools for healing.

Each of the hearts on Edith’s quilt represents one of her grandchildren. She asked each grandchild what color they wanted for their heart, making it a collaborative family effort. The children’s chosen hues are not only stitched into individual hearts but also woven around the outer edges of the quilt, creating a vibrant border that reflects the joy and connection between generations.

Edith and Alicia Rheal — Edith (right) and Alicia Rheal (left) in front of Edith’s quilted portrait at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.

The centerpiece of the quilt is a beautifully painted portrait of Edith, created by artist Alicia Rheal, a fellow member of the Memory Collectors. Alicia’s work captures Edith’s warmth and strength, making her presence on the quilt feel both intimate and celebratory.

The Memory Collectors’ purpose

The Memory Collectors were formed not just as a quilting circle, but as a response to a pressing need. Black Americans face higher incidences of Alzheimer’s and dementia compared to other groups, and “being in community makes a huge difference,” says both the collective and Edith as she discussed her experience in the quilting group. Quilting together provides each member a creative outlet as well as a space for shared stories, laughter and support.

By sewing together pieces of fabric, the Memory Collectors are weaving a much larger tapestry — one that’s bound by love, resilience and the enduring strength of community. Edith’s legacy quilt stands as a vibrant testament to the power of art, family and connection. Through this project, she has created something that is not just a quilt, but a living memory, a celebration of family and a powerful message about the importance of community care.