Rita Spaulding Quinn

Born June 17, 1931 in Chicago, IL, to Marguerite McGill Spaulding and Abbot Devon Spaulding, both deceased, as are her two younger brothers: Abbot Spaulding of OH and Joseph Spaulding of CA. After completion of her local elementary education, she attended Immaculate Conception Academy, a Catholic boarding school in Davenport, IA, which is now closed, and then achieved a BA from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN and a Masters degree in Reading from the University of Chicago. Her education, interest in literature and temperament fostered her initial career as an elementary school teacher in IL and in VA.

Married August 4,1956 to Paul C Quinn. D.D.S. until the death of her husband, on December 25, 2022. In their married life, they resided in Northern Virginia: Arlington, Alexandria and most recently, Springfield, at Greensprings, Erickson senior community. They raised four daughters: Catherine Johnson, Marguerite Zappa (deceased), Patrica Murnane, and Irene Winston; and also survived by four grandchildren: Kelly Allman, Anna Zappa, Tilden Winston, and Madeleine Winston and one great granddaughter, Abigail Allman.

After her third child, Rita finished teaching to focus on her family and her community. She was an active participant in volunteerism: AAUW, including RIF (Reading is Fundamental) with book mobiles in low income areas; Service League of Northern VA, including serving as President, Board member of American Heart and Lung Association, and many other worthwhile service activities, such as a volunteer at the Guild House, formerly in Old Towne Alexandria. Rita believed it was important to help others as demonstrated by her actions.

Rita re-entered the workforce in her mid forties, part time, to perform administrative services to the National Academy of Science’s annual panels held to award academic institutions and students grants and scholarships.

Rita was a supportive wife, loving mother and role model. She drew strength from her Catholic faith and family.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Nativity Catholic Church, Burke, VA on Saturday March 15 , 2025 beginning at 1:00pm and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in her honor to St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN (www.saintmarys.edu or 800-762-8871).