La-Verne C. (Hapgood) McQuillan

La-Verne C. McQuillan was born May 29, 1927 to William E. Hapgood and Bessie Warden Hapgood.  She passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020 in Sullivan, MO. La-Verne was united in marriage to Dr. Walter R. McQuillan on February 10, 1947 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Louis.  The couple was blessed with six children: Robert J. McQuillan, Patricia Lee, Sue McQuillan, Michael McQuillan, Douglas McQuillan, and Mark McQuillan.

“Time well spent leads to a life well lived.” This quote embodies La-Verne’s strong appetite for life, strength of character, including the love and laugher she taught her children and shared with others.  Her zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone she came in contact.  Whether she was out enjoying her time at bingo or sitting enjoying dinner with her family she brought smiles to everyone around her as she laughed and made lifelong friends.  Even at the end she was making the nurses laugh around her.  She loved her children and grandchildren but as she became confined to her bed, her constant loving companion was her little dog, Baby, which brought her comfort as they needed each other.

La-Verne spent many years working as a house-mom to nursing students at Lutheran Hospital in St. Louis.  Showing them a mother’s love and giving them that sense of family.  In addition, she later worked at Brown Shoe Company in Steelville, MO where she made many friends.

Holidays were filled with excitement, as she spent days baking pies, cakes, cobblers, and cookies. As much as she enjoyed every moment baking it was a house filled with the laughter of family and children she enjoyed even more. She also empowered her children to face life as it came, never backing down or surrendering but meeting it with strength and courage.  Her example showed an unselfish love and giving spirit that both nurtured and encouraged.  She will be greatly missed by her family but her laughter will forever ring in our hearts.

La-Verne lovingly cared for Dr. Walter McQuillan, her husband of 58 years until the day God called him home and with that same love and devotion, her daughter Sue cared for La-Verne until God call her home.  In addition to her loving husband, La-Verne was preceded in death by her father, William Hapgood; son Robert J. McQuillan; mother, Bessie Bergman; step-father, Elmer Bergman: grandfather and grandmother, William Ratley and Cora Turnbough Ratley; sister, Gloria (Clifford) Boulch, Sr.; nephews, Clifford Boulch, Jr. and Gary Boulch; and two infant sons, Douglas McQuillan, and Mark McQuillan.

She is survived by her three children Patricia Lee, Susan McQuillan of Steelville, and Michael McQuillan of Holiday, FL; three grandchildren, Tom Donnell of Rolla, MO, Sherry and husband Michael Trebilcock of Alvin, TX and Chris McQuillan of Steelville, MO; five great-grandchildren Amanda Trebilcock and Joseph Trebilcock, Krista McQuillan, Bethany Donnell and Benjamin Donnell; four great-great-grandchildren Emma, Cassie and Matthew Swain and Amber Parish.

La-Verne’s deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin was lifelong, saying her rosary nightly. We are comforted with the knowledge of the joy she now shares, with all who have gone before her and stands in the presence of her Lord and Savior! As we anticipate the day we will each enjoy the sound of her laughter again around that Heavenly banquet table!

The Family received friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Steelville, MO with Father Dan Lueckenotte officiating. Music of "Shepherd Me O'Lord", "I am Bread of Life" and "Song of Farewell" was played by organist, Pat Elders. Other music of "Amazing Grace" and "Softly and Tenderly" was sung by Bob and Carol Coleman. Serving as the scripture reader and sharing memories was grandson, Tom Donnell. The funeral mass was Live streamed.

Committal prayer and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery.

Pall bearers were Chris McQuillan and Tom Donnell.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

Please observe social distancing of six feet when attending the visitation and/or funeral mass. You may consider wearing a mask at that time. We thank you for your patience, respect and understanding for the Family and yourselves.

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