Sally was at a quilt retreat in Vermont when news of 9-11 broke. The focus of the retreat quickly changed. 

"Quilt Inn provided the perfect opportunity to channel the anger and grief that were the natural outgrowth of events of September 11th into something positive. It is almost prophetic that the planned subject of the seminar — stars and curves — lent itself so well to the creation of my quilt. The final design shows the skyline of Manhattan, Lady Liberty’s torch next to it, the stars, which represent the explosions, surrounded by smoke and flames, and finally the star of hope and the dove of peace keeping vigil through it all. 

My quilt arose from the depth of my gut and captured the images that were in my mind. I am proud that I could take my emotions and my love for our country and our way of life, and turn them into something beautiful to give back to the world in remembrance. It was a catharsis for me, and a rebirth of my faith and hope."

Sally's quilt was featured in America from the Heart by Karey Bresenhan. It was part of an exhibit at the International Quilt Market and Quilt Festival in 2001. From there, it was selected to be one of the 123 quilts that traveled throughout the USA and Europe for 2 years before it was returned to Sally.

Sally Beaton (1941-2019) was an American and Canadian citizen. She moved to Ontario, Canada from Pullman, Washington when she married a Canadian. Prior to moving to Canada, she served as Associate Director of the WSU Alumni Association and was the “Road Mom” for the school’s show choir, Crimson Company. A talented artist, she was both a quilter and a rug hooker. Her works have been featured in both quilting and rug hooking magazines.

Sally remained connected to the United States through her family, her friends and her love of WSU Cougars.