Marilyn Montalbano Quirk

Marilyn Montalbano Quirk, known for her devotion to her faith and family and as a role model and inspiration to women, passed away peacefully at her home on March 12, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in New Orleans on June 11, 1939, to the late Benedict Montalbano and the late Dorothy Eldridge Montalbano, she attended Fortier High School and Louisiana State University.

Marilyn learned the power of prayer from her grandmother, Annie Eldridge, and had a calling to service from a young age. While studying at LSU to become an Episcopal medical missionary, she converted to Catholicism in 1958, the same year she married Peter after meeting him on a blind date the prior year. Peter and Marilyn each shared a love for their Catholic faith and have made meaningful contributions to the Catholic Church both independently and as a couple.

Marilyn was an inspirational speaker and touched the lives of thousands of women. In 1981, inspired by the late Bishop Stanley J. Ott and the late Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, Marilyn and a small group of local women founded Magnificat, a Ministry to Catholic Women. The organization started with a small gathering and has grown exponentially as a global organization with Chapters spanning the US and around the world, serving thousands of women. Marilyn traveled internationally to establish new Chapters and served as Founding Coordinator of the global organization for more than 30 years and as Coordinator Emeritus until her death.

Marilyn had a special and longstanding devotion to Our Lady, the Blessed Mother of Jesus. While praying the rosary alone at the Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Xavier Church on February 6, 2010, she experienced cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive by a volunteer preparing for the St. Joseph’s Altar. By the grace of God, the volunteer’s quick intervention and the outstanding care team at Ochsner Health, she survived the incident and was awoken days later to learn that her son-in-law, Mitch, had been elected Mayor of New Orleans and the city’s beloved Saints were Super Bowl XLIV Champions! As was God’s plan, Marilyn’s life was extended to continue her ministry and welcome more grandchildren. The date of her passing sixteen years later coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Miracles.

Marilyn was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice papal medal from Pope John Paul II for her outstanding service to the Catholic Church and her work in founding Magnificat. The Catholic Community Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans awarded her the Pope John Paul II award for her exemplary stewardship and volunteer service to the Archdiocese.

Marilyn was a humble leader, always building up others without seeking personal attention or recognition. Beyond her family and Magnificat ministry, she enjoyed keeping up with the latest fashion trends and her skin care regimen until her final days. She made lifelong friends at local shops and salons and later with her devoted caregivers and medical team.

As her health declined in recent years, she was incredibly strong, maintaining her beautiful, positive spirit while continuing to use her gifts to inspire others. Anyone who came into contact with her experienced her beauty, love, kindness and concern for others. Marilyn supported her husband Peter’s career and community service work for many years and was grateful when Peter transitioned his primary job to be Marilyn’s caregiver to be by her side through her final years.

Marilyn will be missed by her devoted husband of 67 years, Peter R. Quirk, and their six children, Karen Johnsen (Chris), Cheryl Landrieu (Mitch), Brian Quirk, Kathleen Quirk, Aimee Quirk and Elizabeth Dekker (Cameron). “Mimi” was adored by her thirteen grandchildren: Callee Johnsen, Katie Johnsen, Grace Landrieu, Emily Landrieu, Matthew Landrieu (Mahogane), Benjamin Landrieu (Skylar), William Landrieu, Andrew Quirk, Michael Quirk, Sarah Quirk, Claire Dekker, Caroline Dekker and Corinne Dekker and her great granddaughter, Bexlee Landrieu. She is also survived by her dear friend of over 50 years, Sr. Briege McKenna, who was like a sister to her.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to the team at Ochsner Health, especially Dr. Sammy Khatib, and her loving caregivers, Anna, Geraldine, Myra and Marilyn B, who developed close relationships with Marilyn, Peter and the family.

Funeral services will be held at St Francis Xavier Church on Monday, March 16, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Magnificat Ministry (magnificat-ministry.net) or St. Francis Xavier Church.