Julie J. Quirion Obituary (1922 - 2014)

WATERVILLE – Julie Jean Quirion, 92, died peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the Inland Hospital Emergency Room, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 21, 1922 in Derby, Connecticut (CT), one of eleven children, born to Polish immigrants, Joseph and Catherine Rydzy. Julie graduated from St. Michael's Catholic School and Derby High School in Derby, CT. She became a Registered Nurse after graduating from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford CT. She met her future husband, Joseph Florian Quirion, during her studies at St. Francis Hospital. One of Julie's most vivid memories of her nursing career was caring for victims of the 1944 circus fire in Hartford CT, which was one of the worst fire disasters in US history. In 1948, Julie and Joe were married in CT, honeymooned in Cuba, and moved to Maine where she worked as an RN at a Waterville hospital. Julie and Joseph owned and operated Quirion Housekeeping Camps on McGrath Pond for over 30 years. The camps were a gathering place for family and guests often returned each year and became part of the their extended family. As the unofficial camp social director, she helped create friendships that remain to this day. Summer days were filled with boating, swimming, water skiing and always lots of children, dogs, and small animals running about. She had a generous spirit and often helped people in need, even strangers. In later years, one of Julie's greatest joys was caring for her two grandchildren on weekends while her daughter worked in Boston. A proud grandmother, she encouraged, supported and guided her grandchildrens' spiritual, educational, and athletic endeavors. She lived to see her grandchildren graduate from MIT and Cornell University and go on to attend graduate school. Julie was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, attended St. John the Baptist Church and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. She supported the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St. John School, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Food for the Poor. Her faith, family, and friends were always the focus of her life. Julie was predeceased by her parents and nine brothers and sisters and has one surviving sister, Josephine Sadlon of West Haven, CT. Also surviving are: her loving husband of 65 years Joseph F. Quirion, her three children; twins, Kathleen and Kenneth Quirion, and Joseph P. Quirion, all of Winslow, and her two grandchildren, William Fedus of San Diego, CA and Kathryn Fedus of New York City, NY. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Tim Webb and all of the people who helped care for Julie at the local hospitals and extended care facilities. We especially appreciate the caregivers who made it possible for her to remain at home during her last years. She loved and considered them as family. For those who wish, donations may be made in Julie’s memory to St. John's Catholic School in Winslow or Food for the Poor Headquarters, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek FL 33073 www.foodforthepoor.org or St. John Regional Catholic School 15 South Garand St. Winslow, ME 04901