We mournfully announce the passing of Florence Marjorie Quinn, 95, of Morgantown, on Dec. 29, 2020.
Florence, born to James and Elsie (nee Legge) Quinn, took her first breath on Feb. 9, 1925, in Morgantown. As a young girl, she spent many summers with her maternal grandparents in Louise (Brooke County), and shared many fond memories of her visits. She graduated from Morgantown High School in 1942 and went on to earn her B.A. in math in 1946 and a M.A. in education from WVU in 1949.
While attending WVU, Florence faced many challenges as a female math major in a male-dominated field during World War II. Along with the demands of school, Florence worked hard at home raising her younger brothers.
Florence started her career as a math teacher in West Virginia and taught for 10 years. She then accepted a position as research mathematician at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Mineral County. During her employment, she worked on assignments for NASA and was a trailblazer in her field. In 1987, she concluded her career as a systems analyst for the hospital at WVU Medicine Center.
While living in Cumberland, Md., Florence was an active member of the Catholic church and the Democratic Women’s Club. An avid reader and academic, Florence was never one to shy away from a spirited debate or tackling a tough calculus equation. She was an outspoken liberal with a penchant for a whiskey neat. Her interests also included yoga, dance, tennis and WVU football.
Florence was a loving, generous sister and aunt. Although she had no biological children, she helped raise generations of nieces and nephews. She had a special bond with her sister, “Babe,” and made a part-time home with her. She is survived by sister, Elsie “Babe” Wolfe, of Morgantown, and brother, Wayne Quinn, of St. Simon’s, Ga. She’s also survived by nieces, Cynthia Salzmann (Gary), of Morgantown, Jennifer Mucklow (Thomas), of Martinsburg, Beverly Evers (Greg), of Charleston, Yvonne Benson, of Morgantown, Brenda Haas (Gary), of Core, and Barbie Johnson (Chris), of St. Simon’s, Ga.; nephews, Wesley Wolfe (Vivian), of Morgantown, Joe Wolfe, of Morgantown, Michael Quinn (Lisa), of Rock Hill, S.C., and Jimmy Quinn, of St. Simon’s, GA. She leaves behind seven great-nephews, seven great-nieces, seven great-great-nephews and nine great-great-nieces who were her pride and joy. She was the go-to cook, chauffeur and tutor to many of them. They, in turn, thought of her as a grandmother and loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Elvera “Jenny” Lewis; her brother, James “Jimmy” Quinn; and her parents.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal services. Her ashes will be buried at East Oak Grove Cemetery, alongside her parents. We will miss her dearly.
Condolences:
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