Evelyn O. (Ferreira) Quirk

Evelyn Olga (Ferreira) Quirk, 96, of Ashford, CT, a courageous and independent woman, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2020.  She was born April 20, 1924 in Georgetown, British Guiana, South America to Joseph Augustus and Georgina Agnes (Faria) Ferreira. At the age of 18, during WW II she married U.S. Army Sgt. George J. Quirk in Georgetown and moved to the United States.  Evelyn attained U.S. citizenship while they lived in Jersey City, New Jersey.  In 1954 she, her husband and their 3 children moved to Ashford, Connecticut. She worked at the University of Connecticut for over 25 years. Evelyn's distinctive, musical laugh brightened many gatherings over the years.

Evelyn was always thoughtful when it came to her family and friends. She also loved her pets and would take care of any stray cats that appeared on her doorstep. In a similar manner, Evelyn was dedicated to giving abandoned dolls new life by cleaning, repairing and making clothing for them. She took pride in adding them to her large collection of both new and old dolls. She at times would give an admirer a member of her collection.   

She enjoyed caring for her small flower garden and was known for growing and sharing beautiful sunflowers. A proud American, even after age 90, Evelyn would go out each morning to raise her American flag and there would not be a Memorial Day or Fourth of July without Evelyn being decked out in red, white and blue.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, William M. Quirk of Maine; George J. Quirk, Jr. and his wife Norma of Ashford; her daughter Patty (Yvonne/Patricia) Phaneuf and her partner Marilyn Milliken of Ashford; her sisters; Anna Ferreira, Neila VanDerEs, Maggie (Jim) Bell and Mary Walters all from Ontario Canada and her sister-in-law Dorothy Boisvert of Eastford; Evelyn also leaves five grandchildren Renee, Keith, Troy, Joey and Patrick; several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 67 years who passed away in 2010, she was predeceased by her brothers Frank Ferreira and Compton Ferreira and sister Georgie Angela de Nobrega. 

 Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to St. Philip Church – Ashford 

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