Madonna Mary Therese Eckermann – Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt panel

Quilt panel, part of Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt, in memory of 'Madonna Mary Therese Eckermann', cotton / lace / ribbon / crystal beads / synthetic / metal, made by Carolyne Scott-Brydges, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 1993 Rectangular quilt panel, portrait orientation. Green and white spotted background with a white decorated aida cloth rectangle in the centre, bordered with cream lace. At the top of the panel with green cross stitch 'Madonna Mary Therese Eckermann, 12 November 1961 to 31 July 1989'. Below that is a printed photograph of Madonna bordered with white beads and braid. Left side of the photograph in red cross stitch 'Mum Love Ryan', bordered with white braid. On the right side is 'Mum love Anthony'. Underneath the photograph are the words 'You filled our house with sunshine and we helped you look for rainbows. You understood so many things - the importance of laughter, and that each moment is forever. You dreamed impossible dreams, smiled at total strangers because they might be lonely. You loved old people, fairies, daisies and big fluffy clouds. I'll think of you on sunlit days and see your smile in every flower. Mum and Dad' Beneath this are two smaller appliqued rectangles edged with lace. In the left one is a flower, in the right one are the words: 'Madonna died from Aids (sic), with courage and pride; and she had no shame or reason to hide. I miss talking to her and seeing her face. But she's no longer in pain and she's in a much better place. I will always love and miss you! Your little sis, Gog (?) xxx, Chris, Kristy and Joy xxx' Beneath these is a larger appliqued rectangle edged with silver braid and containing words, a set of blue rosary beads, a metal fairy, appliqued lace flowers, fake jewels and pearls, a butterfly and an appliqued teddy bear patch.