For nearly a century, spanning two continents, through multiple wars, moves, tragedies and celebrations, Marie Vessels’ curiosity, tenacity and generosity have made a difference for humankind. May all the readers of her story extend her legacy by continuing to demonstrate kindness and love for others.
MARIE VESSELS
Was born in 1926, in passau, germany, where for generations her mother’s family had lived. She was the second of nine children. Five of which grew to adulthood.
Having served in and narrowly escaped at least one bombing attack (in the first world war) where his regiment was sleeping. Marie’s father dreamed of returning to countryside where he grew up in a family with a long history of farming.
IN MARIE’S WORDS,
Knitting was what “Kept her sane” through the many hours at hospitals and care units during Carolyn’s illness.
Demonstrating her desire to make a difference and continuing her mother’s commitment to help in need. Marie, at age 96, has knitted many thousands of hats and headbands.
IN LATE 2015
Marie’s story was shared on the Louisville News.
“If an 89-year-old Louisville woman has anything to do with it, there will be no cold heads or hands around town this winter. She is trying to warm bodies and hearts, while mending her own.
Marie Vessels’ story is about a woman who can’t stop knitting because she is on a mission to take up the legacy of the daughter she lost.”
She continued knitting, donating to St. Vincent de Paul and providing hats to all of her extended family, neighbors and friends.
MARIE HAS MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO HUMANITY
From orphans, to mayors, german to us soldiers, jewish prisoners to shopkeepers.
She knits love into every conversation as well as hats for five generations and thousands of people across multiple continents as she tenaciously and generously continues to help others each day.
IN EARLY 2021,
Marie was recognized in the Louisville newspaper. The Courier Journal with a story by Kirby Adams.
FROM 2016 – 2023
Marie knitted, donated and gifted over 5000 hats to those in need, family members, and her extended community from Alaska to Mexico, Kenya, Turkey, Germany, NL and Norway.