Stitched with Love: The Story of Our Memory Bears
Loss is a journey that no one should walk alone, and sometimes, the most profound comfort comes from something you can hold close to your heart.
In early January 2025, two incredibly talented local seamstresses, Deb Smithurst and Barb Fenwick, approached the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society with a beautiful vision.
They wanted to use their gift for sewing to support our fundraising efforts to build a dedicated hospice home for the East Kootenays.
What is a Memory Bear?
Their idea was as simple as it was powerful: transforming the cherished clothing of a departed loved one—perhaps a favorite shirt, a well-worn sweater, or a sentimental dress—into a handcrafted teddy bear.
These aren’t just toys; they are Memory Bears.
Each one is a unique, tangible connection to a life well-lived, designed to provide:
- A soft reminder of a loved one’s presence
- A way to repurpose grief into a beautiful keepsake.
- A lasting heirloom that carries the spirit of a family member or friend.
The response from our community has been overwhelming.
What began as a local initiative has touched hearts far and wide, even catching the attention of CBC, where the project was recently highlighted for its emotional impact and craftsmanship.
To date, Deb and Barb continue to pour their hearts into every stitch.
Their dedication ensures that while we work toward building a physical home for hospice care in the East Kootenays, we are also providing “homes” for the memories of those we miss most.
“A Memory Bear doesn’t replace who we lost, but it gives our love a place to rest.”
Interested in a Memory Bear? By bringing a Memory Bear into your home, you are not only preserving a precious memory but also supporting the future of hospice care in our region.
