Patricia Benoit Quinlan

March 16, 1925 ~ October 11, 2016
Portland-Patricia Benoit Quinlan, of 620 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine died on October 11, 2016, at the age of 91. She was born on March 16, 1925, the fourth child of Henri A. and Katherine Walsh Benoit. She graduated from Waynflete School in 1942 and attended Manhattanville College in New York City where she studied nursing. In 1950 she married Edward J. Quinlan Jr. of Norwalk CT They settled in rural Norfolk CT in 1952 where they raised 6 children and lived for 40 years before moving to Falmouth, Maine, in 1991. They remained happily married until Edwards death in 1997. Mrs. Quinlan was active in the Catholic Church. She was a communicant of and active volunteer at both the Immaculate Conception Church in Norfolk, CT, and Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth, ME. Patricia always made very generous use of her time. She particularly embraced her role as a volunteer hospice worker while living in Connecticut and Eucharistic minister and prayer group leader in Falmouth. For several years, both in Connecticut and in Maine, she was the primary caregiver for her husband Edward, who died in 1997 after living for many years with Alzheimers. Patricia was a woman of very strong faith and was well known for her kind and generous spirit as well has her self-deprecating sense of humor. She loved people and was much loved in return. Of all her good deeds, accomplishments and acts of kindness, the roles she cherished the most were that of being a devoted wife to her husband Edward, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. In addition to her husband, Patricia is predeceased by her brothers Arthur and Louis Benoit and sisters Maria Hanley and Katherine Gibbons. Surviving her are two daughters, Maria Q. Leiby (Steven) of Lansing, MI, and Anne Quinlan of Winsted, CT; four sons, Edward J. Quinlan III (Deborah) of Arundel, ME, Thomas M. Quinlan of Northborough, MA, Gregory H. Quinlan (Jane) of Brunswick, ME, and Michael J. Quinlan (Beth) of Portland, ME; nine grandchildren, Jay and Margaret Leiby, Adam Quinlan, Meaghan and Emily Quinlan, John Carlos and Elizabeth Coloma, Andrew and Peter Quinlan, and five great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staffs of the Osher Inn at Cedars and VNA Home Health Hospice for their kind, compassionate and loving care. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October13, 2016, from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 2:00pm at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME with the Rev. Daniel Greenleaf celebrant. Burial will be private in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Patricias memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions in Patricias memory to: Sisters of Mercy, 966 Riverside Street, Portland, ME 04103 or VNA Home Health Hospice, 50 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04106.
Michael and family , we are sorry to hear of your loss , our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
– Alan and Lesley Pugsley
When we think of our lives we want to look back at the end and say “we did it right”. I can think of no one better to use those words than Pat, or Mrs. Quinlan as I knew her. I remember her house always being full of different kids from the neighborhood – everyone loved her and the whole family – and everyone wanted to be at the Quinlans – especially on Arnold bread day. She and her husband were a testimony as to what godly parents were to be. She raised children who all became outstanding adults. JQ was always one of my best friends, and always will be no matter the miles. Hope to see some of the clan sometime in Norfolk at memorial day – every year I go hoping to find one of the Quinlans. To Pat – hope to see you in heaven – only hope I can close out my life as well as you lived yours.
– David de Manbey
I remember wonderful discussions I had with Patricia when we would visit her with Greg and Janie. They were always lively and so interesting. Sending condolences to the family, Carol and Gary
– Carol DeLaurier
Jane and I met Patricia a couple of times when she was in Lansing and enjoyed her company very much. She was a great lady and will be missed.
– Paul and Jane Dykema
I am saddened by your passing, Pat. You were always a dear friend. You were loved deeply here in Norfolk by many people, young and old, for your loving kindness, faithfulness, and wisdom.
– Nancy Eckel
Hello Quinlans, As I discovered 30 years ago, the world is a different place without our mothers in it. I’ve just spent a moment with your mother’s picture, remembering good times with her and your family in Norfolk. She was a wonderful mother. Thinking of all of you.Love,Sally
– Sally Shipton
Thanks, so much, Sally. It does feel strange without her, but we are all very grateful to have had her for so many years! I’ll be in touch.Maria
– Maria Leiby
I want to extend my deepest sympathy and most heartfelt condolences at the passing of dear Pat .May she rest in eternal peace. I extend my thoughts and prayers to the entire Quinlan and Benoit families . You will be in my prayers over the coming days and weeks. Pat was a lovely and very special lady and I will always have fond memories of her from my childhood and teenage years in Norfolk , CT. Again may she RIP !!!
– Karen B Phelan
To Ann and familyour thoughts and prayers are with you and yours may you find peace with each other and share what is most important family peace and blessings Jan
– Jan Young and your friends from Yoga at the Mill
Maria,Sending you a huge hug. Words are never enough… I hope I can be as much comfort to you as you have been to me over the years. Take good and tender care of yourself.Susan
– Susan Cooper
Thanks so much, Paul and Jane. We all miss her.
– Maria Leiby