Patricia “Jim” Marie Quinn passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2016, in Helena, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born on November 18, 1927, in Lewistown, Montana, to Leslie and Marguerite (Pratt) Simkins.
Jim graduated from St. Leo’s High School in Lewistown in the class of 1945. Then she moved to Helena to live with two of her sisters, Evelyn (Toots) and Betty. She worked at Shodair Hospital, Western Life Insurance Company and, for many years, Blue Cross/Blue Shield as a data processor.
Jim married Patrick Joseph Quinn on February 11, 1961 and remained happily married for 52 years. They raised two children, Michael Patrick Quinn and Karen Ann Quinn.
Jim was a gentle, kind and generous woman. Most of her days started with Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Her family could always count on prayers from her. Spending time with her extended family brought her great joy. Many summer days were spent at the Lieberg/Quinn cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake. People still talk about the amazing Labor Day gatherings there. Jim also loved to cook and was known for hosting large Thanksgiving dinners and baking specialized birthday cakes for her grandsons, nieces and nephews. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandsons, Michael and Sean.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Patrick Joseph Quinn; son, Michael Patrick Quinn; sisters and brothers-in-law Evelyn and Bud Hay and Betty and Carol Lieberg; sister, Shirley Reardon; brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law Jack and Marie Carey and Jackie and Mary Fran Quinn; sisters-in-law Irene Colenso and Jean Quinn; nephews, John Carey and Patrick (Liz) Carey; nieces, Barb Simkins and Lois Colenso; great-niece, Jenny Boyle.
Jim is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Patrick Rillahan; grandsons, Michael and Sean Rillahan; brothers and sisters-in-law, Les and Kim Simkins, Clint and Karen Simkins and Bob and Marlene Simkins; brother-in-law, Joe Reardon; brother-in-law/sister-in-law, Dr. James and Dorothy Quinn; brother-in-law, Willie Colenso; and many special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Weiner and the wonderful staff at St. Peter’s Hospital, the loving staff at Touchmark and Jim Lieberg for bringing her Holy Communion whenever she could not make it to Mass.
A Vigil service will be held Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. A Funeral Mass will take place Thursday, February 25 at 12:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St., with a reception immediately following in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Memorials are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Helena or to Helena Education Foundation, hef@mt.net.
Tom Erving says
What a wonderful and special lady Jim (Patricia) was, especially to her husband Pat and daughter Karen and son-in-law Pat and grandkids, (Pat must be a great name). And all her family, the Simkin’s, Lieberg’s and Quinn’s , (what a Butte connection), etal. I always enjoyed going out to visit them at the family cabin at Canyon Ferry. And I especially remember seeing Jim and her sister Betty Lieberg and nephew Jim Lieberg at early morning Mass at the Cathedral, sitting together in the side pew. So many fond memories, to be held for a lifetime.
My prayers go to Karen and family.
An old friend, Tom Erving
Patty Lieberg Reichert says
Although I have known Jim all my life, she really came into my life personally about 7 years ago when I started attending church (north transsept, fifth row, St Helena Cathedral), and began my journey of faith. Jim, along with many others accompanied me on that journey. Jim became a good friend and Sundays became so enjoyable as Jim and I would share our faith along with coffee at the Donut Hole, stories, and laughs. I will miss her always. A gentle lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Karen and Pat, Michael and Sean. Love to you, Patty Lieberg Reichert.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Bob and Marlene- We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Marsha and Leon Belville
Eileen Morgan says
So sorry to hear of your loss. She will live on in your hearts enen though you won’t see her in person. Eileen Morgan