Lasting Memories

Salli Lou McQuaid
May 17, 1943-July 31, 2023
Walla Walla, WA, Washington

Born May 17, 1943 to Mary Lou Randall (nee Robertson) and Hugh Simpson in Eugene, Oregon. Siblings Ronnie Randall (deceased), Greg Randall (Elmira, OR), Roxanne Reid (Noti, OR), Jeff Randall (Veneta, OR) and Vernon DuWell (Springfield, OR). Salli graduated from Cottage Grove HS, attended college first at the U of O and then San Jose State where she received an MA. Salli had three children: Jim Wiley (deceased), Colleen Wiley (Sweet Home, OR) and Darren Wiley (Dorena, OR). Salli met and married Mike McQuaid in 1987 and gained two stepdaughters Patricia Luperine (Pleasanton, CA) and Ann McQuaid (West Oakland, CA). In addition, she has been blessed with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Salli trained in Korean Martial Arts and competed in a tournament in Korea. In addition, she wrote art and dance performance reviews for various SF Bay Area papers. Salli developed a small art publication while living in Pleasanton, CA. In 1999 Mike's job took him to The Woodlands, Texas (just north of Houston) where Salli began her development as an Art Quilter, producing her first quilt in 2006 and never stopped. Her work has been hung at The Foundry and Whitman College in Walla Walla and at exhibits across the country. One piece is still on tour having started in Tucson. Other works are in collections both public and private. Salli's quilts can be viewed on her website (artistwriter.com). It spans more than 15 years.

In 2010 Mike's work brought him to Walla Walla. While smaller than Houston, it was so much closer to the Oregon family, and she was able to visit them more frequently and they were able to visit too. She was happiest surrounded by the love of her family.

Salli's passing was unexpected. Her strong faith gives us solace knowing she is eternally well and with God.