Celebrating the life of
Diane (Dee) Prettie Quirk
August 04, 1924 - January 17, 2017
Diane Prettie Quirk (1933-2017)
SAVANNAH, GA - Diane (Dee) Prettie Quirk, 83, died peacefully with family by her side on January 17 after an extended illness. She was born in Hillsdale, Michigan and attended the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, earning a Master’s degree in Chemistry. It was at the University of Michigan that she met her loving husband of almost 59 years, Harrison (Hoddy) Quirk. They spent 40 years of their married life in Ware, Massachusetts, raising three kids and together operating Quirk Wire, a specialty wire and cable manufacturing business, before moving to Savannah in 2007.
Dee was most satisfied when designing and working with her hands, whether stitching elaborate needlepoint pieces, hammering silver vessels or fashioning custom home décor. In the late 1980’s, Dee apprenticed herself to a master silversmith in Massachusetts and spent the next 22 years learning and sharing the fruits of the craft. Dee also enjoyed studying gardening, constantly implementing new designs at her home, where she frequently entertained friends and family. World travel with Hoddy, her sister, Portia, and brother-in-law, Dan, became a cherished ritual.
Dee’s generous heart and unfailing style will be remembered by her husband, Hoddy, and dog, Sophie, of Savannah, GA; her sister, Portia, and husband, Dan of Seattle, WA; son Preston (and Joyce) Quirk of Nashville, TN; daughter Lisa (and Kevin) Kaija of Reading, VT and son, Matthew Quirk of Milwaukee, WI. Her eight grandchildren, Miles, Gretchen, Ben, Emily, Oliver, Jenny, Lauren and Abby were a special part of her life.
The family suggests any remembrances be made in Dee’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision (www.savannahcblv.org).
A public memorial service will take place in Massachusetts on a spring date to be determined.
I met Dee in Ireland in 1995, in a workshop. Then we were in contact by letter and a few years later she traveled with Hoddy to attend my first wedding. I have tried to contact her several times over the past few years but I did not get it ... Until now I just learned that she passed away. A very sad news for me, I liked Dee very much, she was a lovely woman. RIP, Dee. :(
- Anna Serra Guasch, Badalona (Barcelona, Catalunya), Spain
Dee graciously invited myself and another friend every year to her amazing home in Ware to attend The Brimfield Antique Fair. I learned so much from her. Very elegant, smart, warm, always curious, great style and FUN! I loved her and Hoddy deeply. She impacted my life. She spoke so highly and lovingly about her children and grand children. She leaves such a void. I send a gentle hug to her family.
- Michelle Milliken, Estero, FL
Dear Hoddy, Preston, Lisa, & Matthew: I am so sorry and sad to learn of Dee's passing. She was a very special friend and neighbor. I always loved looking out on your back yard and marveling at her beautiful flower beds. I hope that your wonderful memories of her will bring you smiles. She would want that! Love, Ann
- Ann (Adams) Cairl, Sunderland, MA
I met Dee at Book club. And lent audio books to her. And we lived in Western MA, as did she. I just found out she passed away, She was a lovely woman. RIP, Dee.
- Sue and Tom Reilly, Savannah , GA
Preston and family, Dee was a lovely, graceful woman, and we can see her smile and stamp on her children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers stay with you now and always. Much love.
- Tim, Jana, Hallie and Will Sansbury, Cincinnati, OH
I am so sorry to read of Dee's passing, and wish to extend deepest sympathy to Hoddy and to all of the family. Dee was a gracious and elegant lady, and a friendly face who always greeted me kindly whenever I saw her at Grenville Park. The Quirks were a wonderful couple, and I will never forget the generosity that they extended to us after our house fire. They both embodied the very best qualities that every person should strive for. My thoughts are with you.
- Susan and Rodney Sandridge, Ware, MA
I would like to express my deepest condolences for your loss, it's never easy going through the passing of a loved one. You might take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4 which says God "will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This scripture gave me hope when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for your family. May the memories you have help you endure this difficult time.
- Jae Mckenzie , Savannah , GA
I met Dee in Ireland in 1995, in a workshop. Then we were in contact by letter and a few years later she traveled with Hoddy to attend my first wedding. I have tried to contact her several times over the past few years but I did not get it ... Until now I just learned that she passed away. A very sad news for me, I liked Dee very much, she was a lovely woman. RIP, Dee. :(
- Anna Serra Guasch, Badalona (Barcelona, Catalunya), Spain
Dee graciously invited myself and another friend every year to her amazing home in Ware to attend The Brimfield Antique Fair. I learned so much from her. Very elegant, smart, warm, always curious, great style and FUN! I loved her and Hoddy deeply. She impacted my life. She spoke so highly and lovingly about her children and grand children. She leaves such a void. I send a gentle hug to her family.
- Michelle Milliken, Estero, FL
Dear Hoddy, Preston, Lisa, & Matthew: I am so sorry and sad to learn of Dee's passing. She was a very special friend and neighbor. I always loved looking out on your back yard and marveling at her beautiful flower beds. I hope that your wonderful memories of her will bring you smiles. She would want that! Love, Ann
- Ann (Adams) Cairl, Sunderland, MA
I met Dee at Book club. And lent audio books to her. And we lived in Western MA, as did she. I just found out she passed away, She was a lovely woman. RIP, Dee.
- Sue and Tom Reilly, Savannah , GA
Preston and family, Dee was a lovely, graceful woman, and we can see her smile and stamp on her children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers stay with you now and always. Much love.
- Tim, Jana, Hallie and Will Sansbury, Cincinnati, OH
I am so sorry to read of Dee's passing, and wish to extend deepest sympathy to Hoddy and to all of the family. Dee was a gracious and elegant lady, and a friendly face who always greeted me kindly whenever I saw her at Grenville Park. The Quirks were a wonderful couple, and I will never forget the generosity that they extended to us after our house fire. They both embodied the very best qualities that every person should strive for. My thoughts are with you.
- Susan and Rodney Sandridge, Ware, MA
I would like to express my deepest condolences for your loss, it's never easy going through the passing of a loved one. You might take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4 which says God "will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This scripture gave me hope when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for your family. May the memories you have help you endure this difficult time.
- Jae Mckenzie , Savannah , GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
