BORN

1925

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Zeller Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home

2107 NE BROADWAY ST

Portland, Oregon

Ella Quinlan Obituary

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.

Published by The Oregonian from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ella Quinlan

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Ella Quinlan's name

Memorial Events
for Ella Quinlan

Oct

22

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

The Madeleine Parish

3123 N.E. 24th Avenue, OR

Funeral services provided by:

Zeller Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home

2107 NE BROADWAY ST, Portland, OR 97232

How to support Ella's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ella Quinlan's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more