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Marian McQuade Obituary
McQuade died Friday morning from heart failure, her granddaughter Erin McQuade Kennedy said.
Born in 1917 in Caperton, McQuade started working on senior issues in 1956 when she helped organize an event honoring West Virginia's octogenarians. She served as vice-chairwoman of the West Virginia Commission on Aging and was appointed to the Nursing Home Licensing Board.
McQuade, a mother of 15, grandmother of 43 and great-grandmother to 15, launched her campaign to honor grandparents in 1970.
West Virginia was the first state to recognize grandparents in 1973. She petitioned the rest of the nation's governors and Congress to set aside the day. In 1978, Carter signed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as Grandparents Day.
On the 10th anniversary of Grandparents Day, the Postal Service issued a commemorative envelope bearing McQuade's likeness.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
31 Entries
Jesse Martin
May 25, 2023
REST IN PEACE
Gerald Carter
September 10, 2017
The recognition of grandparents is real and profound. Their quiet humility and decency are the glue that holds our lives and families together. Through their example we all become better people. It is from such that the strength of our country derives and are an incredibly valuable resource. It would continue regardless of official recognition, Marian is to be commended for bringing attention to all aging issues in general, especially the many ways and areas they contribute. Thank you, Marian.
Carlyanna Malm
May 4, 2011
I am one of the surviving great-grandchildren and, although I had never met my great-grandmother, she has always been some sort of family Hero (my grandmother, Jackie, speaks novels about her when she has the chance and I can see how much of an impact Marian had on her daughter by the tenacity she fights for issues in San Diego). I may be three years late in giving her the proper attention and respect but I am proud that she was able to live such a long, ambitious, and successful life.
Blessings,
How you can show support
The Heneries of
February 22, 2010
To the family of Mrs. Marian McQuade,
We wish to offer our
Sympathy for your loss. Your aunt was a special lady to advocate such a proposal.
Even though this death separates you from your aunt, Your complete reliance on “the God of all comfort” will help you to endure grief, sadness and sorrow. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)
Our Condolence to the family
Vida Albert
September 9, 2009
I'm Vida Albert, daughter of Vida Herndon Albert. I didn't know my Aunt Marian (though I'm told that one of her children bit my back when I was two). I have throughly enjoyed the stories my mother has told me through the years of my aunt an her own adventures with the McQuade children. I add my condolences and am honored to be in some way kin to such a great lady.
Joyce Herndon/Baumgarnter
June 26, 2009
I'm Joyce Ellen Herndon Baumgartner, daughter of William Lewis Herndon and Martha Ellen Herndon. Lost contact with the McQuade/Herndon family after parents moved to Florida in 1960. I was greatly sadden to hear about Marian's death. I lost my mother on April 12 2009 Easter Sunday at age 93. Dad passed away in 2003. We spent sometime with the McQuade children,remember the large house, as a child. May our beloved parents rest in peace.
ahsley sutphin
May 12, 2009
it was a horible loss when she past away she was so kind and giving.she did many wonderfun thing to help the elderly.she left behim 15 children 43 grandchildren and 15 greatgrand children, she is missed by many. may you r.i.p marian mcquade.
ashley sutphin
May 5, 2009
I think you are a wonderful person. Thank you so much. You put your heart in to that day and you worked very hard. May you rest in peace.
Henryk Zaleski
October 1, 2008
Thank you Marian for your giving heart and may you now rest in peace.Thank you so much.
B W
September 30, 2008
My Prayers are with the Family, Sorry for your great loss,
Mrs. McQuade was so Thoughtful for a Day to Honor Older Americans was a Wonderful thing to do, she fought and Won.
Thank You for that day.
Susie Land
September 29, 2008
My prayers and thoughts to your family Ms McQuade,
My parents had so much fun going to elementary schools with their grandchildren in 1970s and 80s. This would not have been possible if not for your dedication and hard work to make a special day for all grandparents.
Sincerely,
Susie Land
Raytown, MO
Fredia Lacey
September 29, 2008
To: The McQuade Family,
I am truly thankful for Mrs. McQuade great efforts in honoring the grandparents. This day is very special to me. I look forward to every year that I receive a card, gift and telephone call from my only granddaughter stating "Happy Grandparents' Day". May God continue to give all of you the strength to endure such a great loss.
Truly thankful,
Fredia Lacey
Anonymous
September 29, 2008
Thank you for your efforts to have Older Americans recognized. You were among the first.
There is a lot to be done still to stop the employment discrimination but you opened the door and for that, we should be a grateful nation to you.
God bless you for all you have done for us Older Americans!
Kathy Smith-Gleghorn
September 29, 2008
My sympathy and prayers to the family. I did not know Marian but I know she was a special lady and I thank her for all that she did for our country. We grandmothers are usually overlooked. In these times there are millions of Grandmothers who are raising our Grandchildren because of one circumstance or another. Marian championed for us and God has truly blessed her throughout her life. Thank you Marian.
Kathy Gleghorn
Barbara Fricks
September 28, 2008
Being a grandparent myself I am thankful for grandparents day, and want to say a I am sorry for the loss a Mcquade family member.Your memory will forever live in each and every heart of grandparents.
Love forever Barbara Fricks
Corletta Hardy
September 28, 2008
To the family rember the goodtimes.I didnot know her but thanks for her honoring grandparents and getting that day approved.Rest In Peace McQuade i'm sure she was quite a lady.May God sustain you all as you walk the last mile with your dear love one.Sleep own McQuade
fredia pruitt
September 28, 2008
with love
September 28, 2008
McQuade Family:
I didn't know your mother but I just wanted to give my condolence to you and your family. A loss of a loved ones is not ease but the Bible promise a time soon when sickness and death will be no more Revelation 21:1-5. Under Jehovah God Kingdom rule the earth will be come a paradise and peace will be. Once again my deep condolence.
bessie korth
September 27, 2008
Thank God for Marian for getting grandparents recognized. I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss. May your memories of her provide comfort and in time laughs that you shared.
September 27, 2008
God Bless Marian McQuade. We need more people in the world like her. She was a true inspiration to all humankind.
Ruby Cato
September 27, 2008
To the family of Mrs. McQuade,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Marian. I did a recognition service for grandparents at church, and I began to look up how it began and things I could use and I found out about all that Marian had done to get grandparents day started. I was really impressed with her love and dedication to get it accomplished. I will never forget her. Her life and accomplishments just blew me away. She was a great lady.
Love in Christ,
Ruby Cato
Marie McQuade
September 27, 2008
God Bless you and thank you for honoring those grandparents who we have now and those who have walked before us.
Mack
September 27, 2008
To the family of Marian,
I would like to offer my condolences . It is always sad when someone we love passes away. May the comfort and tender mercies of our Heavenly Father be with you all (2 Corinthians 1:4).
D. ZIMMERMAN
September 27, 2008
REST IN PEACE MARIAN MCQUADE
SHEILA SMITH
September 26, 2008
Rest in Peace Marian.
D. ZIMMERMAN
September 26, 2008
REST IN PEACE MARIAN MCUADE
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