Evi Quinn

Evi’s long, remarkable life was one rooted in love, faith, resilience, and purpose.

Born on May 4, 1928, in Berlin, Germany, to Julius and Gertrud (née Gillmeister) Seidemann, Evi grew up at a pivotal moment in history. As the only child of a Jewish father and a Catholic mother, she witnessed firsthand the profound challenges and injustices of the times. These early experiences shaped her deeply, guiding her toward a lifelong commitment to compassion and the pursuit of a fair and peaceful world. She later shared her powerful story in her memoir, Journey of a Mischling, offering a deeply personal account of growing up in Nazi Germany and the resilience it required to survive.

In 1948, Evi immigrated to the US, joining her father in Los Angeles. Determined to assimilate into a new culture, she built a vibrant life filled with family, community, and service. Through her parish, she met Reuben Quijano (name changed later to Quinn) whom she married in 1953. Her mother eventually emigrated to join their growing family, and together they all moved to the newly established Orange County suburbs where their family and life blossomed. Evi was a devoted and loving wife to her husband with whom she shared 58 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they raised five children, creating a strong and loving family foundation that grew to include 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy and proudest legacy.

As the children grew and started their own lives, Evi and Reuben relocated to San Diego County after Reuben’s retirement. Evi continued a successful career at Bank of America and later retired as a bank loan officer, earning respect for her professionalism and dedication. A woman of many passions, she was actively involved in her church, working selflessly, challenging the Church to reflect more equitable and inclusive values. She was active in the San Diego Interfaith Committee for Social Justice and the local Democratic Party, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She had a deep love for classical music, especially opera, and found great joy in social dancing—she and Reuben were especially known for their lively jitterbugging, a reflection of their shared zest for life. The two of them shared many travel adventures together on the West Coast, Mexico, and Europe, but none can compare to the year they spent in 1963, living in Spain and tearing around western Europe with four young children and all their worldly possessions strapped to the mother of all roof racks on their car. Memories and stories of that year seem to live on forever.

Evi will be remembered for her boundless energy, her welcoming spirit, and the joy she brought to family gatherings—especially birthdays and the Holidays, where her love of cooking, baking, and feeding people was so lovingly shared.

Evi’s life was a testament to hope, resilience, and the belief that a better world is possible. She lives on in the seeds she planted—in her family, her community, and in the enduring belief that the world can be heaven on earth.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wellspring Family Services of South Seattle. Their information is linked below.

A Celebration of Evi’s life is planned for July 11, 2026 in Carlsbad, CA.

Further details to be announced later.