It could be said that her quilting room was her happy place. There Helen Mae Nilson was in concert with her meticulous and exquisite artistry. Her quilts, table runners, mats, knit, and crocheted creations became family heirlooms when she passed away November 6, 2021, at her home in Blaine, MN.
Stitches to her memory quilt began on October 21, 1933, when Helen was born in International Falls, MN to Anna (Podlak) and Thomas Bennington. She spent most of her formative years in International Falls, also the Baudette area with extended family. After graduation from Falls High School, Helen worked at Mando as a secretary where she met and eventually married Henry Nilson, January 19, 1952. Fabric pieces of her quilt included fond memories of apartment years and the birth of a son, Michael. The Nilson’s moved into a home they built on 9th Street and the family became complete with their daughter, Nancy. The intricacy of pattern and kaleidoscope of colors emerged with every life event: birthday celebrations, holiday meals with special friends and family, a conversation with a neighbor over the fence, Saturday morning coffee with the girls (Norma, Helen, Phyllis, and Lou), sharing ideas with the Whispering Pines Quilt Guild, craft table sales, Sunday mornings at Faith United Church of Christ, trips to explore Europe also the west coast to visit family; each added another treasured quilt block. Helen worked as an administrative secretary at Rainy River Community College for many years, also as a secretary for Voyageurs National Park.
With the pieced quilt top nearly completed, new family members were added: Mike (Laura) and Nancy (Les) and grandchildren, Erik (Andrea), Anders, Peter (Rachel), Jonathan, and Matthew (Mariah). Helen’s quilt was bordered and held strong by her family, sisters: Lois, Betty, Martha, Joyce and Georgia, and brothers: Newman and Gene, nieces Sheryl and Shelley, and lifelong friends: Beverly, Nancy, Barb, Marguerite, and Norma.
In retirement her quilt was layered in International Falls, and lake views in Blaine. With the quilt now backed and bound, she could run a stitch with quilting thread through her life and know the warmth of love and precious memories it held. That legacy will now be passed on to her next generation, Hannah, Ellie and the birth of another great grandbaby in April. They won’t remember her legendary chocolate chip cookies, or huge fabric stash; but will marvel at the rich heritage of her life’s quilt.
Memorials may be preferred to Faith United Church of Christ. A Celebration of Life to honor Helen will be announced next spring.
