Jan Domzal meticulously positioned and stitched each block in its designated location, demonstrating her precision and care in quilt-making.
To Jan, every piece of fabric held more significance than just a mere swatch.
Her friend, Karen Womack from the Blackridge area of Penn Hills, shared, “Jan aimed for perfection in every inch of the quilt. Each creation served as a source of solace for individuals navigating through emotionally challenging times in their lives.”
Residing in Blackridge, Domzal dedicated her craft to crafting quilts for various causes, including the Neighborhood Ford Store’s Quilt for the Cure—a breast cancer awareness initiative associated with Ford Motor Co.’s Warriors in Pink philanthropic efforts.
These quilts often carried messages of support, motivation, and remembrance, meticulously assembled by volunteers and later gifted to local breast cancer treatment centers.
Annetta Brewer (left), a mammography technician, alongside drivers Gerald (Jerry) Turner and Rick Maczko, showcasing a quilt fashioned by Jan Domzal. This quilt was contributed to Bonnie’s Bus, a mobile mammography unit that conducts breast cancer screenings across West Virginia, particularly in underserved rural areas lacking access to such services.
Even during her hospital stay, Domzal’s passion for quilting never waned. Womack recalled, “I vividly remember Jan expressing, ‘Once I leave this place, I am determined to complete the quilt I’ve been working on.’ She cherished quilting, aiming to preserve the tradition passed down by her mother and aunt.”
Despite her health challenges, Domzal fulfilled her commitment and completed one of her final quilts before her passing in April 2023, following multiple hospitalizations due to a fall.
A group of friends crafted this quilt for Jan Domzal to offer support during her battle with breast cancer.
While sorting through her belongings in Blackridge, her brother Dave Domzal and his wife Theresa stumbled upon numerous yards of fabric and dozens of quilts, including a special one that held sentimental value.
This particular quilt, which Domzal had mentioned before, was found hanging in her closet. Theresa Domzal mentioned, “Friends of Jan had lovingly created this quilt for her during her cancer treatment.”
Theresa and her husband distributed some of the quilts to relatives and friends, retaining a few for themselves. They entrusted a pink quilt to Jan’s friend, Kathy Nelson.
Nelson, a fellow member of a quilting guild in Blackridge, emphasized the profound significance of the quilt made by Jan’s friends. She affirmed, “The quilt symbolized a heartfelt gesture, mirroring Jan’s own acts of kindness towards others. I am certain it brought her comfort during challenging times.”
Nelson later passed on the quilt to Nancy Lewis, the public relations manager at the Neighborhood Ford Store, for safekeeping until a suitable recipient could be identified.
Lewis, in collaboration with Mike DeArdo, the coordinator of Quilt for the Cure, facilitated the transfer of the quilt to Lynne Keller, the president of the Fort Henry Piecemakers Quilt Guild in Wheeling, W.Va. Keller, recognizing the quilt’s potential to provide solace, arranged for its placement at Liza’s Place, a hospice care center in Wheeling.
As National Quilting Day approaches on March 16, Lewis emphasized the significance of honoring Domzal’s legacy by highlighting her impact on others through her quilting endeavors.
To Domzal, quilts transcended mere fabric squares; they embodied profound sentiments for both the creator and the recipient.
Having engaged in quilting for years, Domzal dedicated herself to the craft despite juggling a full-time job and educational pursuits. Her professional journey spanned roles at veterans hospitals, law school at Duquesne University, and employment with the Allegheny County family services department, all while actively participating in her local community.
Theresa Domzal admired her sister-in-law’s adventurous spirit, noting her unwavering commitment to exploring new interests, be it gardening, quilting, or pursuing diverse career paths.
Womack echoed similar sentiments, describing Jan as a remarkable individual who approached quilting with unparalleled passion and dedication. She emphasized, “Jan’s quilts encapsulated warmth and support, serving as tangible expressions of care. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment shone through in each creation.”
Lewis concurred, reflecting on Jan’s exceptional character and the profound messages of hope, comfort, and love embedded within the quilts crafted during her battle with breast cancer.
Domzal’s exceptional eye for color and pattern coordination resulted in harmonious and visually captivating quilts, as noted by Theresa Domzal.
Womack fondly recalled, “The sight of that quilt would surely bring a smile to Jan’s face. It brought her immense comfort, and now, it continues to offer solace to others in need.”
For those interested in contributing to the Neighborhood Ford Store’s Warrior Quilt Project through volunteer quilt-making, visit [link].
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop, an esteemed TribLive reporter renowned for her coverage of the region’s culinary landscape and distinctive residences, shares compelling stories about noteworthy individuals and weekly insights on Pittsburgh’s leisure activities. With an illustrious career spanning over 26 years at TribLive and accolades like the Edward R. Murrow award, she continues to captivate readers with her diverse portfolio.