Mary Catherine (Scales) Quinn

Mary Catherine Quinn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 19, 2018. Mary Catherine was born on September 2, 1929 in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Harvey and Ursula Scales. She grew up in Sault Ste. Marie with her younger sister Shirley, where she graduated from Loretto Academy. Mary Catherine married Robert Quinn in 1949. The couple met as young teenagers at a dance hall, remaining dance partners until Robert’s passing in 2005. Robert joined his faithful wife Mary Catherine at St. Joseph Church every Sunday in hopes that he would be able to eventually reunite with his sweetheart in heaven. Mary Catherine spent several decades working at War Memorial Hospital and spoke of her time there often. However, her life’s work is best reflected in her steadfast commitment to an ever-growing family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Visits with “Grandma Quinn” were never complete without a homemade treat and an affirmation from the family’s biggest cheerleader. Mary Catherine’s family will miss the unconditional love and support that she showed in both her words and actions. Mary Catherine relished time spent with family, which included spending her recent winters in Florida with her daughters. She was a voracious reader who could finish an entire book within one day. Her love of reading was also reflected in beautifully penned cards and letters to her grandchildren that will be forever cherished. She also loved competing in a good game of cribbage to determine who would be responsible for doing the dishes. Even in her later years, she made every celebration more fun. Mary Catherine always had a smile and kind word to share with others. She has impacted those around her in immeasurable ways, setting a standard for how to live and love. She was a true class act, and her family will miss her dearly. Mary Catherine is survived by her seven children: Katherine Books (Tracy), Robert Quinn (Theresa), Deborah John (Robert), Harvard Quinn (Shelley), Steven Quinn, and twins Matthew Quinn (Denise) and Melissa Quinn (Mike). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amy Beseau (Joe), Andrew Cherry, William John (Debbi), Ann Marie Cherry, Abby Baker (Chris), Katie Carpenter, Bobbi Jo Carpenter, Jennifer Smith (Michael), Jacklyn Fischer (Matthew), Robert John, Robert Quinn, and John Quinn. Mary Catherine was also cherished by her surviving great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren: Mary Catherine Ondrus (Erik), Kayla Meehan, Trevor Beseau, Riley John, Eric Leckemby, Molly Leckemby, Brody Baker, Ava Dale, Aiden Ondrus, Jaxon Ondrus, Emelene John and Simon Smith. Mary Catherine is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Quinn, sister Shirley Leask, and parents Harvey and Ursula Scales. Mary Catherine’s funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 24, 2018 at St. Joseph Church, 1101 Minneapolis St, Sault Ste. Marie. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:30AM at the Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home, 113 Maple Street, Sault Ste. Marie. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Catherine’s honor can be made to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouise.com.

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Mary Catherine (Scales) Quinn

September 2, 1929 - September 19, 2018