Salli Lou Mcquaid

Salli Lou McQuaid was born on May 17, 1943, to Mary Lou Randall (nee Robertson) and Hugh Simpson in Eugene, OR. Siblings: Ronnie Randall (deceased), Greg Randall (Elmira, OR), Roxanne Reid (Noti, OR), Jeff Randall (Veneta, OR), and Vernon DuWell (Springfield, OR). Salli graduated from Cottage Grove HS and attended college first at the U of O and then at San Jose State, where she received an MA. Salli had three children:  Jim Wiley (deceased), Colleen Wiley (Sweet Home, OR), and Darren Wiley (Dorena, OR).

Salli met and married Mike McQuaid in 1987 and gained two stepdaughters, Patricia Luperine (Pleasanton, CA) and Ann McQuaid (West Oakland, CA). In addition, she has been blessed with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Salli trained in Korean Martial Arts and competed in a tournament in Korea. In addition, she wrote art and dance performance reviews for various SF Bay Area papers. Salli developed a small art publication while living in Pleasanton, CA. In 1999 Mike’s job took him to The Woodlands, Texas (just north of Houston), where Salli began her development as an Art Quilter, producing her first quilt in 2006 and never stopped. Her work has hung at The Foundry and Whitman College in Walla Walla and exhibits across the country. One piece is still on tour, having started in Tucson. Other works are in collections, both public and private.  Salli’s quilts can be viewed on her website (artistwriter.com). It spans more than 15 years.

In 2010 Mike’s work brought him to Walla Walla. While smaller than Houston, it was so much closer to the Oregon family, and she was able to visit them more frequently, and they were able to visit too. She was happiest surrounded by the love of her family.

Salli’s passing was unexpected. Her strong faith gives us solace in knowing she is eternally well and with God.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at Assumption Catholic Church, 2098 E. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA, with Father Andrew O’Leary, celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.