Jean M McQuilkin

GUILFORD LAKE--Jean M. McQuilkin, 78, of Guilford Lake, Ohio, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021, in Saint Augustine, Florida, after a short bout with cancer. Jean was born in Columbiana County to Sara and James Sitler. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kent State University and worked in the field of speech pathology, as an executive for health and family services, and as an adjunct professor at KSU-Salem. Jean was dedicated to the children and families she served. Jean’s adventurous spirit and varied interests led to valued friendships across the country. She enjoyed gardening, outdoor markets, national parks, concerts and theater productions, RV and motorcycle trips, connecting friends with one another, introducing others to her favorite places, and time spent with friends and family. Her loved ones describe her as vibrant, inspirational, encouraging, supportive, and loving; she was a true friend, a cheerleader, and a bright light. A favorite story from her childhood is following her dad around the family greenhouse in a stream of lively chitter-chatter. Amused and slightly exasperated, her dad asked, “Why do you talk so much?” To which she brightly replied, “Because I have so many important things to say!” Jean was preceded in death by her husband, James R. McQuilkin, DDS. Jean’s family includes siblings Peggy (Jim, deceased) Russell and Jack (Dinah) Sitler and the Camp family; twin daughters Hallie Logan and Heather (Burton Perkins) Logan; children Anne (deceased) (Kris) Hassel, James (Billie) McQuilkin Jr., Brian McQuilkin, and Susan (Kevin) Waltz; and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private inurnment ceremony will be held at Bethesda Cemetery, Hanoverton, where her beloved husband rests. A celebration of life is being planned for summer. In lieu of flowers for the bereaved, the family encourages friends to choose a local florist and send flowers to someone you appreciate in your life, as a way to honor Jean’s encouragement of others, love of flowers, and her childhood spent in the family’s greenhouse. Condolences may be mailed in care of Dinah Sitler, 109 Village Ct., Columbiana, OH 44408. Jean’s obituary may be viewed and electronic condolences posted on the tributes page at www.StJohnsFamilyFuneralHome.com.