Obituary of Maryellen Quigley

Maryellen Elizabeth Quigley, more fondly referred to as Ellie, passed away during the early morning hours of December 24, 2022, after a brief illness. Ellie was born on July 30, 1968, in New Milford and spent most of her childhood and adolescent years in western Connecticut, first in Brookfield and then in Bridgewater. From the beginning, Ellie was tenacious. At an early age, she climbed out of her crib and, despite landing on the floor, proved that determination pays off. As a child, Ellie had many hobbies and interests including - but not limited to - horseback riding, playing the piano, and collecting dolls. Ellie was particularly fond of a dollhouse her father built for her when she was a little girl. Ellie was also an avid reader at a young age and enjoyed such book series as Nancy Drew and Elsie Dinsmore, to name a few. Ellie was introduced to Elsie Dinsmore by her maternal grandmother, Mary “Nanny” Flanagan, with whom she was very close. Ellie excelled academically, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut (UConn) and then a paralegal certificate from Katharine Gibbs. While at UConn, Ellie also studied abroad in Ireland one summer and particularly enjoyed the opportunity to explore her Irish heritage. Like her father, Ellie was a real “go-getter” and established herself as a top-notch paralegal for a number of prominent law firms in Connecticut and then in Texas, where she made her home for many years. Last but not least, Ellie was a true animal lover who frequently adopted and provided a loving home to puppies and dogs whose futures would have otherwise been uncertain. Ellie is survived by her loving mother and brother, Maryellen and Kevin Quigley, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her father, George Quigley, and her maternal and paternal grandparents. In Ellie’s memory, contributions may be made to either the Arthritis Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There are no calling hours.