Linda Fay Memorial Caring Quilt Program
Linda with a quilt made for her by Common Thread Quilts.
Linda Fay
On October 28, 2024, Linda Fay passed away after a long battle with cancer. Linda was a wife, a mother, a friend, a nurse, a mentor to CTQ, and so much more. She lived by the principle that, “no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ”
As a nurse, Linda touched countless lives. As a SUNY Canton professor, she inspired thousands of students. Through her role with the NNYCF, she was instrumental in securing grant funding for CTQ when we were getting started. She brought us fabric, joined us for several weekly quilting groups, and attended Quilt Fest.
In honor of her, we wish to continue spreading acts of kindness in Linda’s name by establishing the Linda Fay Caring Quilt Program.
What is a Caring Quilt?
A Caring Quilt (or comfort quilt) is made especially for someone going through difficult times. It can provide a sense of grounding and support, hold memories, and let the receiver know they are not alone.
2025-26 Program Goals:
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In partnership with the Lions Club, we are making quilts and walker bags to give to community members whenever the Lions Club delivers hospital beds, wheelchairs, or walkers to area residents.
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In partnership with the Clifton-Fine Hospital, we are making Caring Quilts for distribution to patients facing challenging medical conditions.
Linda and friends at Quilt Fest 2023.
The Linda Fay Caring Quilt activity area on the front porch of the History Center at Quilt Fest 2025.
Linda at a CTQ open house (above right) and a bird and garden themed Caring Quilt (behind).
How You Can Help:
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At Quilt Fest you can visit us at the Fabric Activity Center on the History Center front porch and sew a block, or just a seam, for a Caring Quilt.
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Anytime you can make a donation of fabric (100% cotton only), or money to help us purchase fabric and batting for the Caring Quilts. Donation checks should be made out to the Wanakena Historical Association (WHA) with "Caring Quilts" in the memo line and mailed to: WHA, PO Box 73, Wanakena, NY 13695.
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For more information about donations, email info@commonthreadquilts.org.
Kinds of Caring Quilts:
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Standard: Made ahead of time to have on hand when a need arises.
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Custom: Made for a specific person due to a particular need or concern. Requires working closely with the family or friends and additional time to complete.
Example of Standard (right) and Custom (top) Caring Quilts.
