Patricia Turnbull Quinn, age 88, was born near Macclesfield, England and grew up in war-ravaged England during World War II. She survived the Battle of Britain and the German Blitz as a teenager. At one point in her life she was sent by her family to a farm in southern England to avoid the German V-1 rockets and German bombers.
After the war, she met Robert Quinn in Prattville, Ala. while visiting the “States” with her mother. They were married in 1952 and together had three sons.
Patricia was a lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. In the mid 1950s, she was instrumental in the introduction of the Welsh mountain pony to Alabama. She made many trips to Wales, and was a good friend of the famous Welsh pony breeder, Daisy Broderick. Because of that friendship Patricia was able to bring several famous ponies back to Alabama.
Pat loved animals of all types, but especially Labrador retrievers and border terriers. For many years she bred and showed both of these breeds. She was editor of The Borderline, the official periodical of the Border Terrier Club of America from 1977 to 1997.
Patricia loved to teach, and children of all ages loved to be around her. For 19 years she taught the kindergarten class at the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education in Fairhope, Ala. At one time her much sought after class represented more than half of the entire school’s enrollment.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Joan Turnbull; her brother, John Turnbull; and her husband, Robert Sugg Quinn.
She is survived by her three sons, Michael John Quinn (Debbie), Christopher Robert Quinn and Peter Turnbull Quinn (Laurie); grandchildren, Neil McEwin Quinn (Rebecca), Kelly Quinn Graham (David), Bryan Jackson Quinn, Forrest Bowen Quinn and Rachel Anna Quinn; great-grandchildren, Elaine Elizabeth Quinn, Michael Robert Quinn, Bowen Stewart Graham; and many other relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be held at the Montrose Cemetery Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 at 3 p.m.
The family will receive friends at the home of Michael and Debbie Quinn, Montrose, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the North American Border Terrier Welfare, 822 George St., Lynchburg, VA 24502, or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Building Fund, 28788 N. Main St., Daphne, AL 36526.
Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com.
Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL.
