For Kathy, quilting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way for her to say “Thank You” to those who bravely served our country.
A dedicated Hospice of Michigan volunteer, Kathy handmakes quilts for veterans receiving end-of-life care through the We Honor Veterans program. Her beautiful, red, white, and blue creations are gifts of love, each taking 5-7 hours, and are presented to veterans at pinning ceremonies.
Kathy has been volunteering for 2 years, but her love of sewing goes back decades. “I’ve always been a sewer,” she says. “When my kids were younger, I used to make quilts for them.” Now that her kids have grown up, she’s rediscovered her love for quilting in a new and meaningful way and often sews with friends.
Her motivation for veteran care is deeply personal. Kathy’s husband served as a U.S. Marine for 20 years. As a veteran wife, she knows how much time, dedication, and sacrifice it takes to serve in any military branch. When she heard about the dedicated veteran program at Hospice of Michigan, she knew she had to be involved. “Helping other veterans just feels right,” she noted.
Some of her most memorable moments have been attending veteran pinning ceremonies and seeing the patients’ reactions to the quilts. “It is really special to see so many veterans recognized,” she says. “I’ve gotten to be part of many pinning ceremonies, some at nursing homes and some in homes. Each one of them leaves a mark.”
Last year, Don (see photo), a veteran who served in Korea, was presented with one of Kathy’s handmade quilts at his pinning ceremony. When he saw it, his face immediately lit up with humility and joy. He shared, “Thank you to everyone who came to honor my service to my country. I especially love my blanket. I cannot even begin to tell you how much love and gratitude that gave me.”
For Kathy, sewing quilts has been a way to give back, honor those who served, and bring joy and comfort to veterans at one of the most sacred times. With each thread and each stitch, she shares a message of honor and gratitude—wrapping veterans in love in their final journey.
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At Hospice of Michigan, one in five patients is a veteran.
Hospice of Michigan believes in honoring the men and women who served our country. We Honor Veterans is a program that recognizes the unique needs of America’s Veterans and their families and provides educational tools and resources to guide Veterans through their life stories toward a more peaceful ending.
While we can never truly repay the debt we owe our heroes, Hospice of Michigan strives to deliver the kind of holistic, loving care they have earned.
If you are interested in volunteering, please click here.
Make a gift today to ensure all veterans at the end-of-life receive the dignity and care they deserve.