Rosemarie Quinlan

Rosemarie Quinlan departed peacefully to our Lord on Monday, June 3. Reunited with
her beloved husband Dennis, she died at the home they shared throughout their forty-
year marriage.

Rosemarie was born on December 13, 1942, in Dos Palos, California to parents Jesse
Tafoya and Paula Estrada Tafoya. She was a graduate of Dos Palos Joint Union High
School, class of 1960 and Central California Commercial College of Fresno. After her
studies, Rosemarie began her career working as a reservationist for National Airlines
based in New Orleans. She enjoyed traveling the world and often took her parents on
her adventures.

Upon transferring her location to San Francisco, Rosemarie met the love of her life,
Dennis Quinlan. They married on February 5, 1972, at her childhood parish Sacred
Heart Church of Dos Palos. They built their life together in Napa where they raised three
children and then later, to many a surprise, numerous wayward cats. Rosemarie
eventually joined her husband in his family’s business, Quinlan’s Tire Service in
American Canyon.

An avid reader during her youth, many friends and family would describe her by saying,
“We would all be playing and there was Rose sitting under the tree with her book.” A
devoted wife and mother Rosemarie channeled her passion for reading into knowledge
where she remained a strong supporter of Catholic education.

In addition to reading, Rosemarie found great joy in gardening and spending time with
family and friends. Most of all, she loved being a grandma and took great pride in her
grandchildren’s accomplishments. A proud Catholic, her deep admiration for God was
unwavering and proved to be a tremendous source of strength as she coexisted with
the autoimmune disease Scleroderma during her later years.

Rosemarie is survived by her son, Aron (Suzanne) Quinlan, daughters, Kelly (Phil)
Charnas and Stephanie (Christopher) Fidler and grandchildren, Alexandra, Christina,
Lucy, Quinn, Collin, Corinne and Owen. She is also survived by her sister, Linda (Eric)
Grindeland and sisters-in-law, Nancy Tafoya and Sharon (Max) Sanders and countless
nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, Dennis, brother,
Jesse Tafoya Jr., sister-in-law, Joyce Estes, brothers-in-law John Estes and George
Lorenzetti and niece Debra Estes.

Rosemarie was a caring and supportive mother to her children, an admirable and
passionate champion of her grandchildren and a loyal and emphatic friend to many. She
will be greatly missed, but certainly not forgotten.

A viewing will take place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church
3700 Lassen Street, Napa beginning at 4:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm. A funeral
mass will be held on Wednesday, June 12, at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church at 11:00
am with a reception to follow. Graveside burial will be private.

Memorial donations in memory of Rosemarie Quinlan can be made to St. Apollinaris
Catholic Elementary School.

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