Jannette R. McQuillen

March 11, 1925 - September 24, 2017

Jannette McQuillen, beloved wife of Howard McQuillen, mother of Patricia Ann, Mark (wife Michele), and Michael McQuillen, and grand mother of Kaitlyn, Luke, and Terry McQuillen, passed away on September 24, 2017. She fully enjoyed 92 years of life with her husband, her children, grandchildren, and many friends. Jannette was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Irwin and Lillian Renier and had fond memories of growing up with brother James, and sisters Mary, and Pauline. She was educated in Dubuque at the Visitation Academy and Clarke College where she was awarded a BA in Mathematics. During this time she also worked in the family's business, Renier Music Co. Jannette took advanced studies at the University of Hawaii, and the University of Chicago in Mathematics. While attending the University of Chicago, she compiled statistical data for medical doctors conducting cancer research at Billings Hospital. She traveled extensively, including an around-the-world academic tour. Jannette and Howard were married in the Chapel at the University of Chicago on December 29, 1956, and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where their three children were born. They loved raising their children in Phoenix, then Los Altos, California, and finally Santa Barbara. Jannette won a ladies' golf tournament in Phoenix just before her daughter was born, and Patricia has always shared in the victory. The family enjoyed indoor and outdoor games, swimming, horseback riding, and picnics, as well as educational challenges. In Los Altos, Jannette was Vice President of the American Association of University Women. She served as Treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara, and volunteered at the Santa Barbara Mission Archive Library. Over many years, Jannette enjoyed golf, tennis, duplicate bridge, and travel, both with family and with many friends. Jannette was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.