Elinor McPherren Quinn

Elinor McPherren Quinn, 82, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2013, at her Tamarack Court home in Bemidji, Minn.

This summer, the family will gather in Mason, Wis., for a burial service.

She is survived by her children, Pamela (Walter) Smith of Gilbert, Minn., Tom (Carla) Quinn of Bemidji and Janet Blunt of Peoria, Ariz.; her sister, Sally (John) Orsborn of Port Ludlow, Wash.; and seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Elinor was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Quinn, and her parents, Wayne and Marjorie McPherren.

Elinor (Ellie) grew up in Omaha, Neb., and spent many summers of her youth on a beloved family island in Lake Superior where she developed a great appreciation for the wilderness, something she enjoyed conveying to her children. Ellie was a graduate of William Woods College in Fulton, Mo., where she majored in radio and drama. She also attended Northland College in Ashland, Wis., where she met Harry in 1950. Harry’s work with Potlatch Paper Company took them to Cloquet and Brainerd, Minn. then to Pomona, Calif., followed by retirement in Lake Havasu, Ariz. During later retirement years, Ellie and Harry enjoyed their home on Lake Irving in Bemidji.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, Elinor's family requests donations be made in her memory to Minnesota Public Radio by calling them at 800-228-7123.

March 14, 2013 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

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