McQuarrie, Brenda J.

Ellsworth – Brenda Joy McQuarrie, 66, died December 31, 2017, at a Bangor hospital surrounded by her family. She was born September 22, 1951, in Houlton, son of Wilford and Audrey (Lewis) Virgie. Brenda attended Houlton High School, graduating in 1969. After high school, she attended Plymouth State College in New Hampshire where in 1973 she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Following graduation, she moved to North Carolina where she taught elementary school. A true Mainer at heart, Brenda returned to Maine where she began a successful career in the insurance field, eventually joining the Winter Harbor Agency and serving as an active member of the area Insurance Professionals Association. Attending a high school class-reunion in Houlton, she reconnected with classmate Thomas McQuarrie, and on August 3, 1990 the two were married. Brenda and Tom had and fun, honest and warm relationship that brought out the best in those around them. Their home was the site for many family reunions, parties, and small happy gatherings. Brenda and Tom would remain inseparable until the untimely death of Tom in 2013 due to cancer. Brenda is survived by her daughter, Eliza McDevitt and husband, Nathan; grandchildren, Lea (Lars), Adam and Jacob; brother-in-law Brian McQuarrie and wife, Deborah; and brother Bart Virgie and wife, Catherine; and faithful cat Tigger.

A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, January 13, at Union Congregational Church of Ellsworth Falls, 2 Falls Court, Ellsworth. Contributions in Brenda’s memory may be made to the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition at 499 Broadway PMB 362 Bangor, Maine 04401-3460 or online at http://www.mainebreastcancer.org/help/donate.cfm

Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St., Ellsworth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com