Sandra Quinlan

Sandra Lea Brown McDowell Quinlan, born October 9, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan. The youngest daughter of Roy I. Brown and Mabel J. Wood Brown. 

She attended schools in Detroit, Tucson, and Phoenix before moving to Albuquerque in 1945. She was a 1952 graduate of Highland High School. 

In the following years she lived in New York, Louisiana, Ohio, California, Scotland, and Colorado before moving back to Albuquerque in 1962. She worked as a bookkeeper for a construction firm and later as a secretary for the Director of Aviation at the Albuquerque Sunport, and for a few years at the Balloon Fiesta. 

She attended UNM as a non-degree student after her children were born. At that time, she also pursued her career in art. Having started studying art while living in New York, after moving back to Albuquerque she took classes in oil from Walter Bambrook and watercolor from many of the local artists and those who came here for workshops. She eventually discovered acrylics and collage and that became her love. 

Sandra was Past President of the New Mexico Art League, Past State President of the American Association of Pen Women, on the Board of NM Arts and Crafts Fair, and a longtime member of Yucca Art Gallery. She was past affiliated with the NM Watercolor Society, signature member of the Rio Grande Art Association, the National League of American Pen Women, Yucca Branch and an associate member if the Society of Layerists in Multi-media. 

Sandra is survived by her children, Brad McDowell (Jody), Teresa McDowell, and Robert Quinlan (Nikki); eight wonderful grandchildren, Taylor (Logan), Morgan (Brandon), Jordyn McDowell, Ryan Johnson, Rainey, and Riley Jordan (Keenan), Jordan (Tessa), and Connor Quinlan; plus three great-granddaughters, River and August McDowell and Suzanne Thalia Quinlan. 

She was preceded by her parents; and husband, David L. Quinlan, MajGen, ret.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. Please contact Robert Quinlan for more information. 

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly worn out and screaming... WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE!