Virginia Ann McQuaig

Just three months shy of her 99th birthday, Virginia McQuaig peacefully joined the heavenly choir, where so many of her beloved's greeted her. Born in Rochester, New York, to Lynn and Esther Conover, she was the middle child between brothers Lynn Jr. and Mark. She married Francis McQuaig on April 10, 1948, embarking on adventures that ranged from camping, first in a tent and then a travel trailer, to hosting parties that relatives and friends loved. Their four daughters, Debra Jacobs Buttaggi, Brenda Malloy, Marla Smith, and Nora McQuaig, were born in Spencerport, New York. When the McQuaigs retired and moved to Ft. Myers, they began babysitting for the Derco family. Virginia, aka Moe, and Fran(kie), aka Pop, decided they would be the best grandparents possible, bringing love and laughter to every generation. And indeed, their grands and (great-grands) experienced endless fun and joy. They are: Tim (Nicolas and Samantha) Smith, Laura Dolgos, Kimberly and Kevin (Ryan and Matt) Lowell, Derek (Cori) Malloy, Alana and Jay Kelly (Caitlin, Jack, and Lia), Bill II and Kelly George (Will Buttaggi).

Moe and Fran moved into The Pines of Sarasota in November 2007, where Moe earned the distinction of being the second-longest-living resident. While Fran joined the heavenly choir in 2011, Moe was nominated for and won the 2013 Florida Health Care Association Resident of the Year Award. She served on many committees and was often the resident representing the Pines at groundbreakings and events. While she had several roommates over the years, she and Gloria recently celebrated ten years as roomies. Moe would only leave her room when she could give a smile to her neighbors and staff.

The family encourages caring ones to celebrate Moe’s life by going out to breakfast, singing a song around a campfire, eating a donut with someone you love, and reminiscing with family photos. Moe’s room was adorned with photos of so many people from her life, giving her delight to talk about with visitors.

Donations are welcome to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34239, because faith was integral to Moe’s life; World of Chucko, 6022 Chaparral Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34243, for the joy their activities brought; or The Pines of Sarasota Foundation, 1501 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236, in gratitude for their compassionate care.