In Memoriam Of Grace Rumbold
Madame Chairperson 2025, and Members of the Edmonton and District Quilting Guild
It is with a deep sense of gratitude and affection that I annoucne that our family will be funding three awards in honour of Grace Elizabeth Rumbold.
Firstly, $50,000 will be added to the two existing Edmonton District Quilting awards held with a ALES Faculty of the University of Alberta. These awards support an undergraduate and a grad student.
Secondly, I announce that we are planning to create an Endowed Fund in Grace’s name to support EDQG Educational initiatives in perpetuity. This fund will contribute about $4,000 per year to the guild.
We are also pleased to announce that we are creating a new Endowed Fund Scholarship in Grace’s name at the Edmonton Community Foundation to support one graduate student in the ALES Faculty, specializing in textile construction, history and standards, and apparel science.
These initiatives will commemorate the joy that Grace experienced with her membership in EDQG. Grace’s love of fabrics and colour – bright colours – and her radiant smile drew her to many new friends in the EDQG.
Every fabric shop in Edmonton looked forward to her visits and always gave her their best attention. Grace loved those visits and discussions about what she needed. Information and advice was freely exchanged. Careful selection of the perfect fabric would result in the presentation of her VISA card. On the home front it was not wise to question a purchase; and just to ensure her listener fully understood her – she would proudly tell you “It’s my money.” Her magnificent stash was assembled from friendly shops in Edmonton; and across North America, Australia, New Zealand and Britain. She even tried in Russia, but didn’t get very far there. She did not discriminate.
Presented by Arnold Rumbold
A Presentation to the Guild from her Family
Grace and EDQG member, Marg Thompson, met every morning at their local bus stop. Marge soon invited Grace to come to a meeting. It was an epiphany for Grace. She glowed at the welcomes and mutual love of the craft.
At a monthly meeting the Chair asked for a volunteer to serve on a committee. Marge whispered encouragement, Grace raised her hand, and found herself on teh Planning Committee. It was exactly the right place for her. It was at the centre of the action; and working with a group of women who got things done! She loved it!
A highlight for Grace was the 2003 Edmonton Convention. In the planning stage she made the suggestion that a session should be planned to gather information from the membership as to what programs or innovations had or had not worked in their home guilds. The Committee agreed, and asked her to set up a morning seminar. She went all out on the planning! After the event she proudly reported to me that when she entered the classroom, there were already many ladies exchanging their stories. “I could feel the buzz in the room,” she later told me, “and I just knew the hour would be a success.” Then she handed me a thick sheaf of notes from everyone to be typed up for distribution the following morning! It was.
Grace was a generous supporter of Edmonton cultural facilities in town; the Opera, the Symphony, Citadel and especially Camp He Ho Ha. She was well know for her red hat 50/50 ticket selling. Her quiting was with traditional creations. As quilting became a true are form, she appreciated it, but stuck to her passion of the traditional colours and designs. Kathryn described this time as her “Blue Period.”
I eventually persuaded her to display. It quickly improved her confidence and she glowed with the appreciation of her talents from the membership. EDQG is a remarkable group, full of curious, positive and uplifting women. Myself, Dave and Kathryn sincerely thank you for your many years of encouragement, fun and community of Grace.
Madame Chairperson, at this time I wish to present our cheque for future EDQG Education programs.
