Lucy Marie Rosa McQuillan

1935 - 2025

Lucy Marie Rosa McQuillan
February 24, 1935 – June 1, 2025
Lucy Marie Rosa McQuillan, lovingly known as "Mom," passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 90. Born in Glenbrook, Connecticut, on February 24, 1935, Lucy lived a life marked by grace, strength, and a deep love for her family and faith.
A longtime resident of Wellington, FL, Lucy was the proud and devoted mother of Mary Ellen Zalikha (Mohamad), Bill McQuillan (Becky), and Kathy Harris. Her legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren: Omar (Amy), Amerra, and Abdul Kareem (Shahiqa) Zalikha, Melissa Dhans and Ricky Knapp; and her great-grandchildren Ava, Mohamad, Nicholas, Will, Alexis, and Payton. She is also survived by her cherished brother, Johnny Rosa and his wife Carole, and many nieces and nephews, and the extended family she found in the congregation of Palms West Presbyterian Church.
Lucy was predeceased by her dear parents, Dominick and Carrie (Benvenuto) Rosa; her brother, Dominick Rosa Jr., his wife Rose Marie Thompson Rosa, granddaughters, Melissa Dhans and Amerra Zalikha; former husband, William John McQuillan, and her niece, Lori Rosa Schutte. Their memories live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
For over 30 years, Lucy worked with dedication at Ashland Chemical Company in Miami. Outside of work, she found joy in life's simple pleasures-walking with her family and friends, tending to her garden, and tuning in to her favorite AM radio talk shows. A faithful member of Palms West Presbyterian Church, Lucy was among its early members and cherished her time with the Tuesday morning Bible Study Group.
Known for her kind and loving spirit, Lucy was the heart of her family. She was "the best mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother," often described by her friends as a second mother and a source of warmth and comfort. She had a flair for classic beauty-never stepping out without her red lipstick and a sweet spot for ice cream and milkshakes.
Her sayings, like "When you have your health, you have everything," and playful Italian expressions such as frisia frasia and bacalà, will continue to echo in family conversations. Holiday gatherings and Black Friday shopping trips with Becky became cherished traditions, filled with laughter and love.
Lucy's strength, elegance, and compassion made those around her feel deeply seen and valued. She will be remembered not only for how she lived, but for how she made others feel: welcomed, uplifted, and deeply loved.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Palms West Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M. The McQuillan family will receive loved ones for visitation at 10:00 A.M. at Palms West Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Pastor Ruffin.
The McQuillan family extends their deepest thanks to all who supported Lucy throughout her journey-especially her caregiver, Joanna Bosch, whose care and compassion meant so much and the dedicated staff at Amazing Grace Assisted Living Home.