Margaret Weigle Quillian

Margaret Weigle Quillian died peacefully on May 4, 2016, at Westminster Canterbury where she and her late husband of 74 years, William F. Quillian, Jr., had lived since 2003.

She was born on August 24, 1916, in New Haven, Connecticut. Her parents were Dean and Mrs. Luther A. Weigle. Dean Weigle was Dean of Yale Divinity School from 1931 until his retirement in 1949. He was Chairman of the Committee of Biblical scholars which produced the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Margaret graduated from Vassar College in 1937.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Dr. Richard D. Weigle, for 30 years President of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Dr. Luther A. Weigle, a physician in Newport, New Hampshire; and by a sister, Ruth Weigle Guyton of Jackson, Mississippi.

She is survived by four children, William F. Quillian, III (Tina) of Lynchburg, Virginia; Anne Acree Quillian of Lynchburg, Virginia; Katherine Quillian Solberg (Terry) of Cody, Wyoming; and Robert M. Quillian (Sue) of Olympia, Washington. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

The Quillian family came to Lynchburg in 1952 when Margaret’s husband became President of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, a position which he held for 26 years until retiring in 1978. Throughout this period of time she frequently entertained in her home various student, faculty, and parent groups, and numerous visiting dignitaries. She was well known for her famous orange blossom cupcakes. She was actively involved in community affairs, serving on the Boards of Court Street United Methodist Church, the Adult Care Center, The Red Cross, Lynchburg Women’s Club, Lynchburg Guidance Center, and the YWCA. She held various offices in several PTAs and was the first President of American Field Services. Her service to the community was recognized by her being named to the Academy of Women by the Lynchburg YWCA. She was also a member of the Hillside Garden Club.

Her recreational love was tennis, and she played regularly, even into her 80s. Margaret was quite the artist, creating beautiful oil paintings in the fifties and sixties, although her major avocation was needlepoint. She produced many original needlepoints, including subjects such as Point of Honor, Monument Terrace, the R-MWC Chapel, 2460 Rivermont, Downtown Lynchburg Cityscape, and others. She also composed poems for many occasions.

She and her husband enjoyed travel with friends, and they especially loved dancing — even at his 100th Birthday Party — and they loved singing. She was always first to request Song #54, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” at the Westminster Canterbury weekly sing-alongs. Her cheerful laughter was recognized even in crowded rooms, and her beautiful smile lit up her face when she would look up from working on puzzles or needlepoints.

Margaret was adored by her friends and family, as well as the R-MWC and Lynchburg communities, and she will truly be missed.

A memorial service will be held at the third floor Commons area of Westminster Canterbury on Monday, May 9, 2016, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception on the bridge.

Anyone desiring to make a memorial contribution is asked to consider the Quillian-Weigle Fund of The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, 101 Paulette Circle, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.



Click HERE to Play Margaret’s Tribute Video