Audre Marie Quinlan

Leland, North Carolina

Audre Marie Quinlan, affectionately known as Audre, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was 100 years old.

Audre was born on February 10, 1925, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to the late Norman Augustin Billington and Elizabeth Reardon Billington. She spent her early years in Greenwich before moving to Rye, New York, where she graduated from Rye High School. Audre pursued a career in nursing, earning her bachelor's degree from Adelphi University in New York. During World War II, she served proudly as a member of the Nurse Cadet Program, a testament to her lifelong dedication to caring for others.

Her professional career included roles as a registered nurse at United Hospital in Port Chester, New York, and as a private practice nurse alongside her beloved husband, Dr. Edward A. Quinlan. Beyond her medical career, Audre was a devoted school nurse and an entrepreneur, owning a consignment shop that embodied her keen sense of style.

Audre was a woman of deep faith, a devoted Catholic who prayed the rosary daily. She was an active member of Resurrection Catholic Church and later, the Basilica of Saint Mary Catholic Church after relocating to Brunswick Forest at the age of 88. Her commitment to her community was evident in her involvement with numerous charities, including The Red Cross, Ladies of Charity, Interfaith Council, Rye Garden Club, and Rye Senior Center.

Her interests were as varied as they were passionate. Audre was an avid reader, a gardener with a green thumb, and a cherished presence at family gatherings, always impeccably dressed. Her life was a testament to faith, family, and service.

Preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Edward Augustine Quinlan; her parents; her son, William Henry Quinlan; and her sisters, Patricia Henry, Moira Johnson, Norma Bennett, Nancy Maguire, and Judy Pappas.

Audre is survived by her loving family. Her legacy lives on through her son, John Dacy Stevens, Jr., and his wife, Ellen; her daughters, Dale Stevens, Elizabeth Q. Stevens, and Moira Judith Congdon and her husband, Cameron, sister Sheila Snell. Her grandchildren-Michael, Sarah, Heather, Robert, Jason, Sean, Brienne, Chet, Christopher, Colby, Kevin, Edward, Bradley, Skylar, Finn, Chase, and Deirdre-and her 21 great-grandchildren will continue to cherish her memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am, December 15, 2025 at the Basilica of St Mary, 412 Ann Street Wilmington, NC 28401.Her family invites all who knew her to join them in celebrating a century of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and grace.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099