Kathleen "Kathie" Mayrl Quinlan

Kathie Quinlan, 89, died peacefully on March 4, 2026, from the lingering effects of a stroke. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Margaret Mayrl, dear husband Bill, and infant children, Virginia and Michael. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Quinlan (David Basinger), Elizabeth Quinlan-Bohn (Michael Bohn), and Dorothy Sorbello (Paul); her grandchildren, Emily (Danny Fitch), William, and Nelleke Rus (and their father, Marvin Rus), Patrick and Cathleen Bohn, and Adam and Francesca Sorbello. Also survived by her sister Peggy Rogers; sister and brother-in-law, Veronica and Arthur Johnson; brother and sister-in-law, William and Robin Mayrl; nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Brimming with joy and filled with light, Kathie lived a life of kindness, gentleness, and service. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. As a hospice nurse, she founded Isaiah House – a ministry devoted to tender care at life’s end.  She often said that the dying were her greatest teachers.  And she lovingly shared those lessons with her family, friends, and so many others.

Kathie was also committed to working for peace and passionate about social justice. She would have said, without apology, that she had a Socialist heart.  She lived her convictions faithfully.

A special thank you to the marvelous staff at the Highlands Living Center, where she spent the last 15 months. Their attentive care brought comfort to her and to our family.

Over the years, people sometimes wondered how sweet Kathie with her beautiful smile and gentle spirit could be drawn to the difficult, often sorrowful work of caring for the dying. But those who came to know her soon understood what those of us who loved her had always known: she was a person of tremendous quiet strength, who treated all with dignity and inspired hope in them.

Her deepest wish for everyone: “Remember, dear hearts, we have only the moment we’re in.”

A private green burial was held on March 7 at White Haven Memorial Park. Calling hours will be Thursday, March 12, 4 - 8 PM at Crawford Funeral Home (495 Winton Rd. N.). A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 13, 11 AM at Spiritus Christi Church, 121 Fitzhugh Street N., Rochester, NY 14614. The service will be livestreamed by following this link:  https://spirituschristi.org If you’d like to make a donation, please consider Isaiah House or a cause close to your heart.  

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