KATHLEEN M. “KAY” (DiFRANCO) QUINLAN age 82, beloved mother of Colleen (Kovac) Wilson (husband Mark), Gina Varcelli, Elena DiFranco, twins Anthony “TJ” DiFranco and Kathleen Zdanowicz (husband Thomas) and Jenifer Goodwin (husband Michael) and mother-in-law of Harry Varcelli; devoted grandmother of 14 and great-grandmother of 5; cherished daughter of the late John and Mary (nee Boyle) Quinlan; treasured sister of Timothy Quinlan (wife Joanne), John Quinlan (wife Elaine) and the late Mary Dahlhausen (husband William deceased) and Ann Veronica Stavrenos (husband Peter, deceased); dear aunt, great-aunt and friend of many.
Kay was born on September 14, 1939 in Cleveland and passed away on December 19, 2021. She was a resident of Mentor for 32 years and previously resided in Lyndhurst after growing up in Cleveland. Kay graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1957 and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Clare Catholic Church where she was a part of the Renewal Program. Kay was a member of the East Side Irish American Club. She was an avid reader and loved movies, playing cards and playing Mah Jongg for over 40 years. Kay will be remembered most as a good cook, great listener, social, funny and very well-liked woman. She wixed her mords (mixed her words). Kay was devoted to her family and her faith and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Kay to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial Monday, December 27, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Helen Catholic Church 12060 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Twp, OH. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Kay at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) SUNDAY 2-6 PM.
Charity Name: ST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
Charity EIN: 620646012
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Marie Modic
Another of the class of ’57 having gone home. Kay, we will meet again. As we pray for you and the repose of your soul, please remember us.
Bob and Joanne
We remember all the good times we had with Kay. We love her and her family.
Janet
She was my mentor, parent, sister, guru, teacher, student, equal, and confidant for 28 years. Kay was the epitome of serenity and acceptance. I am a better person for having had her in my life. If I can carry her message on to others, her life will not have been in vain. RIP my dear friend.
Anita Campanella-Zaller
So sorry to hear of her passing
Mary Ann (Gutman) Henderson
Kay was a beautiful friend since high school. My deepest condolences to her family.
Fran Mugnano Federico Vitt
I was Kay’s maid of honor for her wedding and I remember her stepping into a hole in a bedsheet and bringing the sheet up around her beautiful gown so as not to dirty is in the snowy, mucky weather. She was a beautiful and kind person. Miss you Kay
Vicky Carlson
My sincere sympathy to Kay’s children and family. She raised a wonderful family. It was always my pleasure to take care of them at the office.
Georgia Alexander
Our deepest sympathies to Elaina and family. Kay was a very special woman, to not only us but many people. So sad for your loss. Georgia and Brad
Pj and Ann Blaine
We are sorry to hear of Kay’s passing deepest sympathy to all her family may her gentle soul rest in peace
Jessica Lauro
Ashley and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss and will be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas. ❤️ We love you!
Jess and Joe
Kathy Jakuben
I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I really loved your mother and I’m very sad she’s gone. She was so kind.
Linda Neumann
My condolences to Kay’s family. I remember the first time I met her, she was probably only 18 years old. She was so beautiful inside and out. I was in awe.
Martina Stevens
We are very sorry to hear of Kays death and send our sympathy to the family . May Kays soul rest in Peace . From Martina and Jen Stevens
Sister Carol Pelegrin
Dear Colleen, Gina, Elena, Kathy, TJ, and Jen, Kay’s sons-in-law,
all of Kay’s grandchildren, and her dear great-grandchildren,
Be assured that God will give you
the strength you need to carry through,
to put one foot in front of the other,
living ONE DAY AT A TIME,
Trusting in the Lord
As your mother did so faithfully.
Lovingly, Sister Carol I loved Kay dearly and I will miss her so very much. May she rest in PEACE. AMEN
Deb S
She will be missed and was so well loved and respected. She helped so many and had much to share.
James & Heidi Goodwin
We’re saddened to hear about the passing of your dear mother. Please accept our deepest condolences and may our prayers help comfort you. We pray the light of God’s face shines on you in the darkness of your grief. May Kay forever rest in eternal peace.
Sherry
Deepest sympathy to you and your family