Oneida B. McQuarrie

Oneida Bell Martin McQuarrie, daughter of Joseph and Bettie Myrtle Martin, passed away in her home from natural causes on Monday morning, January 27, 2020. She is survived by her daughter Sandi Spencer, sons Brent and Scott McQuarrie, 10 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

Oneida, who liked to be called Neida, was born on February 5, 1927, in Conway, South Carolina. She was the youngest of six children. Her mother and father moved their family from Virginia, where they had been living for several years, to Long Beach, CA when Oneida was about 13 years old. WWII was ongoing so they moved in order to be closer to some of their sons who were stationed in San Diego. In addition, there were many factory jobs available where her father was able to secure employment.

Our mother met her husband-to-be and our father, Gerald Hall McQuarrie, at an LDS church dance in the Long Beach area. They were both engaged to someone else, but something just clicked and shortly they realized that they were meant for each other.

Gerald was in the Navy, also stationed in San Diego. He would spend as much of his leave with her as possible sometimes not arriving back at the base until just before dawn. After a whirlwind courtship, Gerald proposed, she accepted and they were married in St. George, UT, on February 22, 1946.

Our parents raised their family in Downey, CA where they were active in their church, civic and business endeavors. Once their children were grown, they moved to Newport Beach in 1986. Unfortunately, her beloved Gerald succumbed to leukemia in May of 1992. Oneida was devastated, and has been waiting for 27 ½ years to join him; what a great reunion they must have had!

Neida was a person who loved life, loved her friends, and loved and adored her family. All who love her will sorely miss her. She will be laid to rest at the Pacific View Memorial Park Cemetery on February 8, 2020, with a family graveside service.