Linda McDonnell Quinlan Doney

Linda Ann McDonnell Quinlan Doney - Born June 16, 1939 - Died November 22, 2023.  

At the young age of 84, on a chilly morning in November, Linda Doney died. She never liked the term “passed” so excuse the bluntness. She was surrounded by her children and their spouses, all of whom loved her beyond measure. Her hospital room was full of love and laughter, right until the end. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Linda lit up a room with her bright smile, a wit so quick it surprised you, and a thoroughly smart ass. She was fiercely protective of her friends and family. The world won’t be quite the same without her. She leaves behind a large and boisterous family, one that continues to laugh as loudly and as often as possible.  

Born in Erie, PA to Rolland and Olive McDonnell, she was the oldest of 5 children. She adored her siblings and parents. The family moved to Indianapolis IN where, as a young woman, she met her first love. This dashing man was Ronald Quinlan, and they were soon married in November of 1957. Their first child was born in 1958, and before you know it they had 6 children! The family was poor but those kids never knew. Summer vacations were spent at Lake Lemon outside of Bloomington IN and many lasting memories were made. In 1973 Ron landed a job in St. Louis, MO and had to leave Linda and the kids behind in Indy for several months. It’s surprising that she kept it together, with those crazy kids! Soon the entire family moved to St. Louis and a new chapter began. But as the kids got older and stress took its toll, Ron and Linda divorced. They remained friends their entire lives, and Linda continued to say that she would always love ‘Big Ronnie’. There was never a doubt.  

Linda met her second husband Joe Doney while at work and he brought back to her the laughter she had lost. They moved to St. Charles MO and the country club life began. New friends, new experiences (golf!), and a whole new way of life. The kids all graduated high school (whew!) and the grandkids were coming along. Joe and Linda had their own business and were enjoying life. Sadly Joe died suddenly in 2002.  

For a few years, Linda bounced between St. Louis and Indianapolis as her own Mom aged. She finally settled in O’Fallon MO and went back to work for another decade. She loved her work and the people, quickly became known around the office as Mama Doney, Mama D, The Mama and Queenie. She accumulated a multitude of friends, some as close as family. She was such a beautiful spitfire! She retired from CCA Global in 2013.  

Linda was a voracious reader and loved relaxing with a glass of wine in the sunroom with her beloved cat Bitsy close by. Watching golf was a favorite pastime. Weekends were spent at the Grayhawk Cabin in Sainte Genevieve, where she could often be found on the deck in her favorite rocker, binoculars close by and music playing. She had a penchant for jewelry and a knack for home decorating. Her living space was impeccably designed – a mirror of her stylish self.   

Her extended family continued to grow. She was a Grandmother (Gramma) to 16 and Great-Grandmother (GiGi) to another 16. That doesn’t even include the many bonus Grandkids, she had enough love and hugs for all! It's always a good time when the clan gets together, and Linda was often the center of attention.  

In her later years Linda's health started to falter. She was diagnosed with COPD and it was taking it's toll. She was lucky to have her eldest daughter, Joanne, to watch over her, keeping her safe. Linda still attended birthday parties and weddings right up til the end. Unfortunately, pneumonia took hold and she just couldn't beat it. Her children made sure that she met her Maker with her hair brushed and her favorite jewelry in place. As Mom would’ve wished it.  

In her 84 ½ years Linda has known life, love, and tragedy. Her oldest grandchild, Shawn Quinlan, died suddenly in 2013. Ron Quinlan died in 2018, which broke her heart. Her son Greg Quinlan died in 2021, another heartache. She had lost her parents, her sister Karen and her husbands. It helps to know that they have all welcomed her with open arms. 

Linda is Survived by her children, Michael (Karen) Quinlan, Joanne (Dave Deak) Quinlan, Greg (Lou) Quinlan, Ronnie Quinlan, Michele (Dave) Rawson, Colleen (Corey) Dillaha; dear grandmother of Shawn Quinlan, Erica (Billy) Owen, Kelsey (Christian) Darabcsek, James (Emily) Quinlan, Nick Quinlan, Tracy (Neil) Kinser, Debbie (Luke) Ritter, Kimberly Bauer, Joel Quinlan, Kenny Rawson, Kevin (Krista) Rawson, Spencer (Codey) Rawson, Derek Dillaha, Paige (David)Rosenkoetter, and Danielle (Jake) Voss; beloved great grandmother of Zachary and Connor Quinlan, Chloey, Billy and Jonny Owen, Kora and Cayley Darabcsek, AJ Boyer, Kaden, Chet and Desi Kinser, Peter and Louis Ritter, Ryder and Emrey Rawson, Ellie Rawson, and Rainie Rosenkoetter; and dear sister of  Karen Gearhart, Terry (Brenda) McDonnell, Nancy Thompson and Diane McDonnell; cherished aunt, cousin, and friend to many. 

Our Mom was an absolute joy, an amazingly lively woman, and she will be missed greatly. We will still laugh as we recount the stories of her life (and ours), and in that way our Mom will live on FOREVER. 

Memorials may be made in Linda's name to Five Acres Animal Shelter in St. Peters.