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Quinlan, Ella 91 Jan. 04, 1925 Oct. 18, 2016 Ella Quinlan went peacefully to the Lord on Oct. 18, 2016. Ella lived a full and wonderful life. There is no one who enjoyed a get together more than Ella. A mother, grandmother and good friend to many, Ella had a unique zest for life which was infectious to all around her. Her amazing spirit and love of life will be missed by us all. She never lost sight of the less fortunate, volunteering with Catholic Charities and numerous other causes her entire life. She was a member of the Archbishops Seminary Tea Committee, the Oregon Historical Society, the Portland Civic Theatre and the Portland Art Museum. Ella Marie Donahue was born on Jan. 4, 1925 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada to Jack and Mary Ella Donahue. Ella, one of eight children, had a storied and full childhood in Longview, Wash. and remained close to her siblings her entire life. Ella graduated from Washington State University in 1946. Her first job was working for Evelyn Gibson Gowns in Portland as a buyer. In 1950 Ella married Frank Quinlan and began a family, raising six children. Her tireless energy and enthusiasm were evident all throughout her life, creating a warm and loving home that celebrated the everyday joys of life. Ella worked for the Real Estate School of Oregon for over 20 years, retiring at the age of 70. Ella, with great gusto and enthusiasm, became a world traveler, visiting over fifteen countries in the last years of her life. Ella was preceded in death by Frank, her husband of 42 years; and brothers Pat and Frank Donahue. She is survived by her six children, Tim, Brian, Frank Jr. "Buz", Kellan Owens (Sanford), Brendan (Carey) and Erin Merrifield (Larry); and eight grandchildren, Andrew and Austin Quinlan, Connor and Shea Quinlan, Campbell and Sawyer Owens and Max and Charlotte Merrifield. Also survived by her siblings, Trudy Felder, Peggy Lewis, John Donahue, Bernard Donahue and Irita Nicholas. A celebration mass of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 at The Madeleine Parish, 3123 N.E. 24th Avenue. Private burial to follow. The family suggests remembrances to Catholic Charities. Zeller Chapel of the Roses is handling the arrangements.
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Wow...it has been six years, and I still miss seeing and hearing Ella's wonderful laugh, at our Seminary Tea events. What a great gal she was.
Patty Campbell
October 12, 2022
Please accept my condolences, along with those of the whole Seminary Tea Committee. Ella was Tea Chair in 1979, but continued to be active up to and including this year. She was such a constant and FUN presence at all the ST functions. Always a big smile and so upbeat! She will be greatly missed. Cherish all your memories.
Patty Campbell
October 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to all of Ella Donahue Quinlan's family and close friends. Never having had the pleasure of meeting Ella Quinlan directly, I do feel as if I knew her through my good friend,one of her sons. Actually I have had the pleasure of meeting and brief acquaintances with three of Ella's six children, and boy was she ever a pistol!!! With a joie de vivre and vitality unbridled...May her life and Legacy live on through the beauty of all of you and your lives. Rest in peace beautiful Ella. And May her family and all those who knew and loved Ella be comforted in knowing that she is resting in Peace, with Heavenly Father.
Joni Feinstein
October 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to all of Ella Donahue Quinlan's family and close friends. Never having had the pleasure of meeting Ella Quinlan directly, I do feel as if I knew her through my good friend,one of her sons. Actually I have had the pleasure of meeting and brief acquaintances with three of Ella's six children, and boy was she ever a pistol!!! With a joie de vivre and vitality unbridled...May her life and Legacy live on through the beauty of all of you and your lives. Rest in peace beautiful Ella. And May her family and all those who knew and loved Ella be comforted in knowing that she is resting in Peace, with Heavenly Father.
Joni Feinstein
October 20, 2016
I am so sorry to the Quinlan family for your the passing of Miss Ella. Especially to my best friend Brian.She was a very good strong woman and raised some beautiful children. May she rest in peace.
Renelle McCaw
October 20, 2016
Kellan and all the Quinlans,
What a wonderful mother to you all! Her legacy is found in each of you. Take comfort she is now with your Dad and home with our Lord.
Prayers, and hugs.
Patty Green
October 19, 2016
My prayers are with you in this time. May God's Peace, Love and Mercy be with you all.
Mike O'Phelan
October 19, 2016
I can still see Ella and Frank visiting our home behind Stroheckers on Periander St. She had an infectious laugh and will be missed. All my sympathies go out to the Q family!!!
Dan Lacey
October 19, 2016
Dearest Kellan, my heart is heavy knowing the loss of your most dearly beloved mother. Her zest for life continues within you. May she rest in peace with the Lord now and forever. Deepest condolences to all of Ella's family.
Susan Breeden
October 19, 2016
My thoughts to all of the Quinlan family. Ella was a great women that put a bit of magic in everything she did. And no one loved her family more than she. I will always smile when thinking of her.
Shannon Folden
October 19, 2016
Dear Quinlan clan: I am so sorry for the loss of Ella. She was such a great friend to my mother Billie. She always called me by my childhood nickname Lulu. May she rest in peace. My prayers are with all of the Quinlans this day.
Laura Dunne
October 19, 2016
Ella will always be in my heart. She was a fabulous lady and wonderful giving friend. Ella was wise and positive.She was refreshing to be with. Love to all and perfect photo!
So many memories so many years.
Alison Montag
alison montag
October 19, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of the Quinlans and family.
Christina White
October 18, 2016
You all have my deepest sympathy during this difficult time of loss. Blessings.
Margaret O'Obrien Eccles
October 18, 2016
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