Patricia "Pat" Marie (O'Leary) Quinlan

Patricia (Pat) Marie Quinlan passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 6, 2026, in Le Havre, France, while traveling with friends and family. She was 73 years old. She spent her last days enjoying good food, laughter, and Irish music with her best friend of nearly 60 years, Martina Minihan. Pat traveled the world with friends throughout her life, stepping onto six continents.

      Pat was born in Bronx, NY, to James O’Leary and Mary (Maureen) Harrington O’Leary. She spent many summers visiting her parent’s families in Ireland. There she met Padruig Quinlan. He soon moved to the U.S. to marry her in July of 1974. They were married until his death forty-four years later.

Pat graduated from Lehman College with a bachelor’s in Fine Arts, became a teacher, and eventually earned a Master’s in Education as well. For more than twenty years, she taught life skills to young adults with special needs at the Occupational Training Center in the Bronx.  In 2007, she and Padruig retired to Myrtle Beach, SC.

     She treasured her Irish-American heritage and her ancestral home of Co. Kerry. She valued her Catholic faith, attending church regularly at Saint Micheal’s Catholic Church where she was active in prayer groups and other activities. She was a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and of the NYC Department of Education’s Emerald Society.

Ever the extrovert, Pat met with some group nearly every day: book clubs, art classes, water aerobics, prayer groups, and civic organizations. She had many hobbies; however, what kept her coming back was the heart of these clubs–the people who became friends. She loved and appreciated them dearly.

     She is survived by her two sons and their families: Jesse (Christy) Quinlan and sons Owen, Ryan, Seth, and Jude of Kennett Square, PA; and Shane (Melinda) Quinlan and children Abigail, Seamus, and Catriona of Locust Grove, VA. She is also survived by her sister Theresa O’Leary of Manasquan, NJ.

A wake will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 5pm until 8pm at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Micheal’s Church, 542 Cypress Ave, Murrells Inlet, SC, on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 2 pm. 

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843.651.1440) is in charge of arrangements.

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