Shirley A. Quinn, 75, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of family, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, after a determined and inspiring battle with cancer.
Shirley set a high standard for integrity and displayed a strong will, natural leadership, perseverance, and generosity in everything she did throughout her life.
She was born Shirley Hayward to Robert and Marga Hayward (née Salbaum) on October 25, 1949, in Rensselaer, Indiana, the oldest of four children in a military family. After graduating cum laude from Wiesbaden High School in Germany, Shirley landed in the Metro East, where her father retired and settled after a 26-year career in the Air Force.
She found work as a secretary at a small car dealership, but with the help of her eventual husband, Edward A. Quinn, she joined the civil service and began her steady ascension through the ranks. A temporary assignment at Scott Air Force Base became permanent, and after 26 years of service, she retired as a G13 supervisor of software testing.
Shirley played as hard as she worked. She loved St. Louis Cardinals baseball, though she did not spare the team or its manager her criticism when they failed to match their own high standards. Less stressful pursuits included gardening, cooking, traveling and putting her toes in the sand, which is something she was able to enjoy frequently during weekend trips to the houseboat “Hey Babe” in southern Illinois and weeks-long vacations to Anna Maria Island in Florida, where she made many good friends.
More than anything, though, Shirley loved her family. On the occasions when she wanted them assembled in full, all she had to do was prepare a meal. She had a knack for turning new recipes into culinary success, but her specialty was authentic German dishes which might include trays of homemade lebkuchen, vanillekipferl, zwetschgenkuchen, and other traditional desserts.
Other times, Shirley relished one-on-one time with her grandchildren, sometimes in the garden, on the houseboat, or in the kitchen, but mostly while sharing a comfortable sofa and genuine conversation.
Shirley is survived by her husband and travel partner, Edward; she also leaves behind a son, Christopher L. Feix, of Belleville; loving stepchildren, Mark Quinn (Debbie), of St. Louis, Mary Kreher (Joel Erwin), of Belleville, and Michelle Eschman (Todd), of Swansea; six grandchildren, Julian Feix, of O’Fallon, Jonathan (Ashley) Kreher, of Virginia Beach, VA., Hollie Kreher, of Chicago, Heidi Feix, of Dupo, Sydney Eschman, and Mia Eschman, both of Swansea; step grandson, Donald Stevens (Katie); and two step great-grandchildren, James and Jack Stevens, of St. Louis; dear siblings Norman Hayward (Joy), of Belleville, Raymond Hayward (Jo), of Green Valley, AZ, and Linda A. Liebscher (Terry), of Nokomis, IL; as well as many adoring nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to HSHS Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
