Mary Quinn

Mary Elizabeth Quinn, 91, passed gently and peacefully into God's loving embrace on June 6, 2015, at Marquardt Manor, supported by the prayer, love and gratitude of her family.

Mary was born in Watertown, WI, on May 13, 1924, the oldest daughter of Joseph A. and Mary (Ready) Bowman. She lived in the Watertown area all of her life, attending elementary school at the Richwood School and St. Bernard Catholic School. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1942 and then worked at the G. B. Lewis Factory during WWII. On February 12, 1945, she married Leo J. Quinn at St. Joseph Church, Richwood, WI. Leo died on May 22, 1984.

Mary's life revolved around her husband and family. She modeled the value of strong faith in God, the importance of a good education, frugality and sacrifice when needed to reach worthwhile goals, courage in the face of adversity, persistence in personal convictions, straightforwardness and decisiveness - to name a few. She was a talented seamstress; she cooked hearty and nutritious meals mainly of foods grown and preserved from her own garden; she was handy with tools and machines; her lawn was always neatly trimmed.

As her children grew up, Mary returned to work outside her home. During her years as an employee of the local Kresge store, many customers received her friendly service. She was always willing to take the extra step to assist and was proud to be recognized by Kresge's as a dedicated employee before her retirement. She was also proud to be a parishioner of St. Bernard's, a 50-year plus member of the Catholic Knights, the Catholic Women's Club, and her homemaker's club.

After Leo's death she reached out to community and family, drawing renewed strength from her giving as a volunteer. She became a greeter in church and a member of the Social Concerns Committee at St. Bernard's. She volunteered at the Watertown Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and St. Vincent DePaul, the latter for 16 years. When much had been taken away from her, she gave more to others with the grace of God. Even in her years of illness and challenge, Mary smiled, thanked for kindness, and sparked joy in others.

We, her family, have learned lessons we do not yet even realize. Perhaps the following image connected with gardens contains a hint: God gives you soil, water, sun and seed - plant your garden faithfully, tend it well, and let God work there. Enjoy the growing fruits and flowers; harvest happily and share the goodness generously with many. When your plantings have spent their energy, gently return them to their source and look forward with unwavering hope to the next season. Mother, thank you from all of us.

Mary is survived by her children: Sister Jeremy, CSA; Jerry (Pauline); Tom (Mary D.); Peter (Pat); Lawrence (Lyn); Mary (Mike) Diez; Rosemary (Scott) Schultz; William (Zettie Page); Maura (Robert) Padron; Jenny Lee (Earl DeCarli); grandchildren: Bryan, Devin and Justin Quinn; Jeremy T. (Angie), Jamey (Karen), Josh Quinn, and Jonelle (Chris) Brom; Kelly Quinn; Jason (Tiffany) and Pastor Jonathan (Katherine) Quinn; Kyle (Sarah) Diez and Abby (David) Lancia; Kimberly (Scott) Bauer and Laura (Scott) Ziegler; Seti, Nate, Amenra, Ettzi and Tzipporah Page; Ian and Meghan Padron; and great-grandchildren: Brendan, Jameson, Bailey, Hunter, Tanner, Riley, Joe, Sophia, Ella, Zoe, Mitchell, Rowyn, Conor, Cecelia, Riley, Maggie, Emma, Eric, Eliana, Zoey. She is also survived by her sister Agnes Laufenberg, a brother-in-law John J. Kennedy, nieces, nephews and their families. Preceding her in death were her husband Leo, her parents, a sister Beatrice Kennedy, a brother Joseph M. Bowman and his wife Cathy Vogel Bowman, father-and mother-in-law Dennis J. and Mae Quinn, and a godchild Bonnie Bowman.

The family is grateful to the skilled and caring staff at Marquardt through all the years, to Marquardt hospice staff for their support and presence, and to all who have visited our mother. Memorials may be directed to Marquardt Foundation, Marquardt Hospice, or to St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Services are as follows: Visitation on June 10, 2015 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home, 213 S. 5th Street, Watertown, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church with Fr. Scott Jablonski presiding. There will be no visitation at the Church, but friends are invited to join the family at 10:30 a.m. in the Church for a period of reflection and singing of Mary's favorite hymns. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery following the Mass.

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