GREENFIELD — Since April 2020 — just a month after the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the region — the mother of a Greenfield resident has sewn thousands of masks that have made their way into the hands of people across the United States, including those who pass through Franklin County’s YMCA on Main Street.
“According to my sister, they think she’s made between 6,000 and 7,000 masks in total,” CEO Grady Vigneau said of his mother, Annette Vigneau (formerly Engerman). “She never charges a dime for any of them.”
Annette Vigneau, who grew up in Turners Falls before moving to Brattleboro, Vt., was a nurse, retiring at the age of 75.
“It gives her great joy to help,” her son said. “As soon as everything went into lockdown in March 2020, she started thinking, ‘How can I help people?’ The federal government was saying to wear masks, and she said, ‘I know there are people who just can’t access them.’”
The 90-year-old, who makes up to 20 masks per day, Grady Vigneau estimated, has shipped thousands of masks to nursing homes, daycare centers, youth centers, retirement homes and family members across the country. She uses fabric with a variety of patterns — from geometric shapes, to sports or holiday imagery.
“They’ve literally been everywhere,” he said. “They’re probably in 30 states.”
Grady Vigneau, who moved to Greenfield in July 2019 when he was hired as the local YMCA’s CEO, said his mother calls him regularly to let him know another bag or two of masks is ready to bring to the YMCA for staff and members to take home.
“(Members) love them,” he said. “They think it’s so cool, and they’re so appreciative.”
Grady Vigneau said his mother, who declined to be interviewed, doesn’t want compensation for the masks. She does, however, like to know the masks are being appreciated by those who take them.
“She’s received tons of letters from people saying ‘Thank you,’” he said. “She loves knowing the masks are saving lives.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne