Memorial
Janis Lou Quinby, 87, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Friday, May 11, 2018 due to complications of Alzheimer’s. She was surrounded by her family at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House. On Tuesday, May 15, there will be a rosary at 4pm, with visitation from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at Cedar Memorial. Funeral mass will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 10:00am.
Jan is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bill, and children Kathy Quinby-Johnson (Matt) Eden Prairie, MN, David (Karen) Plymouth, MN and Karen Delaney (Mike), Robins, Iowa. Grandchildren, Becky Quinby-Hyland (Gracie), JD and Scott Quinby, Sarah and Leeza Johnson, Morgan, Emma, Claire and Jack Delaney. Great grandchildren Millie and Alma Hyland. Sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Jon Renner, Marshalltown, and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her son William Scott, parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Carroll Bamford, in-laws, Pauline and William Quinby.
Janis was born on February 17, 1931 in Belmond, Iowa, the daughter of H. Thayne and Margaret (Johnson) Bailey. She graduated from Belmond High School in 1949 and was active in choral and instrumental music. Jan attended Clarke College for one year then transferred to Drake University earning a bachelor degree in elementary education in 1953. While at Drake she was a member of Delta Gamma Social Sorority and Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Education Fraternity. She participated in various clubs and was a campus beauty queen.
Jan moved to Cedar Rapids to accept a teaching position at Garfield Elementary School. After teaching one year, she met a special young man from Cedar Rapids, Bill Quinby, who was also a teacher. They were married August 6, 1955 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion, Iowa. After giving birth to their first child, she became a mother and homemaker, which she loved dearly. During this time, she served as a part-time secretary for the Cedar Rapids Sports Club. She returned to teaching 17 years later. She was a beloved teacher to children in kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades at Wright, Tyler and Madison School. She loved learning, teaching and enjoyed all that came through her classroom door.
Jan was a 65-year member of St. Matthews Church where she was a member of St. Bernadette’s Circle, Catholic Daughters of America, served as a Befriender and participated in various bible study groups. She shared her beautiful voice, singing in the Serenaders and St. Matthews funeral choir. Jan loved music, singing, reading (she loved being a member of the Tourist Book Club, the oldest book club in Cedar Rapids), and crossword puzzles. In retirement, she spent time enjoying her grandchildren, mall walkers and keeping up with Bill’s many activities.
Jan lived a wonderful, faith-filled life and cherished her family. She enjoyed every moment with her children and grandchildren and we have been truly blessed to have such an amazing wife/mom. Jan was a beautiful example of how to live your life – fill each day with love, laughter, faith and positivity. “A good life is a useful life.” - Mom
The family would like to thank staffs of Emery Place, the Hospice of Mercy, and the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House for their loving and patient care and Cedar Memorial for their caring and compassionate service. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Community Health Free Clinic 947 14th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52301 or the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, Iowa 52233.