Of Auburndale, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, Tuesday afternoon, December 11, 2012, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Waltham on April 21, 1926; daughter of the late Arthur and Ann (Norton) Little, Marion was raised in Waltham and moved to Newton in 1952, she has been a resident of the Auburndale for many years.

A graduate of Saint Charles High School in Waltham, Marion was one of the best basketball players in Waltham High School history. There she earned the nickname “Speed” and to this day, she still holds many school records. Prior to her marriage in June 1951, she was employed as an asst. secretary to the president of Grover Cronin’s Department Store on Moody Street in Waltham.

Family was the most of important aspect of Marion’s life. She loved entertaining and spending time with family and friends. Throughout her life, she was there as a mother for so many children besides her own. In her spare time, she was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown and she enjoyed playing cards, especially Michigan Rummy.

She was the beloved wife of the late (Ret.) Robert F. Quinlan Sr. of the Newton Fire Department, sister of the late Evelyn O’Neil, and mother-in-law of the late Gino DiSeglio.

Marion is survived by her devoted & loving children: Karen DiSeglio of Auburndale, Kevin Quinlan and his wife, Catherine of Dade City, FL, Kathy Forte and her husband, Peter of Milford, Robert Quinlan Jr. and his wife, Sandy of Hudson, Brian Quinlan and his wife, Susan of Sandwich, Barry Quinlan and his wife, Diane of Hopedale, Judy McDonald and her husband, Robert of Milford, Sean Quinlan and his long time companion, Karen Saunders, and Stephen Quinlan, also of Auburndale. She leaves behind her dear siblings: Sr. Ruth Little SJC., of Framingham, Margaret Baldero of Falmouth, Robert Little of Nashua, NH, and Richard Little of Waltham.

In addition, she is survived by 15 cherished grandchildren: Derek, Angela, Justin, Tiffany, Candice, Katelynn, Shane, Brian “Casey”, Matthew, Kevin, Christine, Victoria, Amanda, Stephen Jr., and Anna, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces & nephews, and Robert Morgan of Boston and Dottie Fairweather of Waltham.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday afternoon from 4-8 P.M. at Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapel, 773 Moody Street, Waltham. A funeral Mass in celebration of Marion’s life will be held at St. Bernard’s Church, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton at 10:30 A.M Friday morning. Interment will follow at Bourne National Cemetery at 1:00 P.M.


In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Marion’s memory to the Hospice of Good Shepherd, 2042 Beacon St., Newton, MA 02468.

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