Annie Mae Reed Quinlivan

After a long, fulfilling life, Annie Mae Reed Quinlivan, age 98, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Wheaton, IL.

Annie was born on March 18, 1924, in Greenville, MS, to the late Lucien Phelps Reed and the late Elizabeth “Bessie” Gorman Reed.

On February 24, 1946, Annie married the love of her life, William “Bill” R. Quinlivan upon Bill’s return from serving in the Pacific Theater in World War II as a member of the Army Air Corp.  They were married in Greenville, MS and moved north to Bill’s home in New York City.

She is survived by her children, William R. “Bill” (Joann) Quinlivan, Jr., of Hudson Falls, NY, and Diane Quinlivan (Thomas) Downey of Wheaton, IL; two grandchildren, Kathryn Downey “Kate” Derose of Centennial, CO, and Patrick Downey of Hawthorn Woods, IL; and her sister, Betty Reed Hays of Paris.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by siblings, Lewis “Pat”, Edward, Jeanette, and Laverne “Snooks”.

Annie and Bill were happily and devotedly married for 53 years, until Bill’s passing on March 12, 1999, after an extended time suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.  Annie was always a strong, devoted person and her caring for Bill during this difficult time is just one example of her strength.  During their time in New York City, Annie was a working mother.  She progressed through part-time jobs to a full-time position with Citibank, eventually working her way up to a Vice President position in Citibank’s headquarters in Manhattan.

At the beginning of her career, when the children reached school age, Annie worked to help achieve a better quality of life for her family.  As the children grew, she worked to assure they got the benefit of a quality Catholic school education.

Once the children both went on to complete advanced college degrees, then Annie called upon her strength again to further her education beyond her high school diploma and successfully completed an associate’s degree while continuing to work full time.

Upon retiring, Annie and Bill focused on achieving another of their dreams, owning a home of their own.  They acquired a piece of property in Paris, TN and built their new home.  Annie enjoyed her time in Paris, her new home, her new friends and being close to her family locally.  These same friends and family members became an important source of additional strength during the years she supported Bill through his battle with Alzheimer’s disease and during the years after his passing.

Annie continued to live in Paris, TN until moving to Wheaton, IL to be closer to family and reside in an adult congregate living facility.  This move, too, demanded the strength to realize oncoming limitations.  For Annie, strength, love of Bill, her family and resilience were the hallmark of a solid, loving productive, life well lived.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1210 E Wood St, Paris, TN at 12 pm on Friday, July 8, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Elara Caring Hospice at https://elaracaringhospicefoundation.org/donate/.

Burial will follow the service in Memorial Cemetery.