Memories of Grace
Emilie’s Story
The name “Memories of Grace” happened shortly after Christine and her mother made a blanket for their dear friends whose daughter, Emilie Grace, took her life in 2014 at the tender age of 13. Once the project was complete, Emilie’s mother said that the blanket brought so much comfort to their family. Christine began to think that she could use her talents to bring comfort to others.
“Being able to create something for my friends after a truly heartbreaking tragedy was healing for me. I cannot bring their loved one back, but I can make something beautiful that provides comfort, stirs happy memories, and brings a smile to their face when they think of their loved one.”
Christine Olding
Founder
Christine has lived in the Midwest most of her life, although was fortunate to spend some years in the South as well as Canada. She is a graduate of Columbia College, SC, and had the opportunity to travel to Europe several times for school and for pleasure. Her background is in teaching, recruiting, office administration and management, and human resources. In 2018, Christine decided to take a leap of faith and go out on her own to start a business. Christine uses her artistic abilities to design memory and keepsake blankets and pillows. Each unique piece she creates forms lasting legacies using loved ones items.
Christine and her husband were married in 2000 and moved to Lebanon, Ohio, in 2001. They have a teenage daughter and two dogs. In Christine’s spare time, she likes to read, garden, try new recipes and spend time with her family.
Servant’s Heart
“I am paid for the work that I complete, but the real reward comes when I present finished pieces to my clients.”
“I love seeing the completed project and how every bear has its own unique personality. Knowing that a garment that has been hanging in a dark closet has been transformed into a keepsake that is proudly displayed brings me joy!
Becky Niles
Marketing & Design
Growing up in a military family, Becky lived all over the United States as a young child, until her family settled in Ohio in 1981. She is a graduate of Ball State University with a degree in English and journalism. Her experience includes newspaper reporting, graphic design, website development, marketing, volunteer administration and not-for-profit management.
Becky moved to the Cincinnati area in 2017 with her husband and teenage son. They also have two grown children – one in Cincinnati and the other traveling the world with the United States Navy. She joined Christine Olding in 2018 to manage the marketing for Memories of Grace, eventually trying her hand at making teddy bears. In her free time, Becky plays the clarinet in the Central Ohio Community Orchestra, and enjoys reading and travel.
