Paula Sue Quinn (Shellenberger)
Paula Sue Quinn (Shellenberger), age 89, of Minnetonka, MN passed away peacefully at her son’s home
in Wakefield, MA on October 13, 2021. Paula is survived by her loving family: son Brian Quinn and wife
Susan, daughter Kara “Kerry” Holder, and grandchildren Colin Quinn, Grace Quinn, Zechariah Smith, and
Max Holder. She is also survived by her sister Rose Evelyn Elbert. She was predeceased by parents
Loretta and William Shellenberger, husband Harold Quinn, seven sisters and one brother, and son in law
David Holder.
Paula was born the youngest of ten children and grew up on a farm in Storm Lake, Iowa. She met her
late husband of 57 years, Harold Quinn, when they were just teenagers. In 1955, she married Harold and
they lived in many places around the country while he was in the Army, their favorite place was Pikes
Peak, CO. They eventually made their home in Minnetonka, MN in 1969. Paula received a degree in
education and enjoyed teaching in elementary school until her children were born, then she became a
homemaker and later worked for many years as a secretary at Gladwin Insurance Agency. Paula was
deeply dedicated to her faith, and was exceptionally devoted to her family, friends, neighbors, and her
church – spending much of her spare time helping others by delivering meals on wheels, knitting prayer
shawls, cleaning the church, and just being a kind friend.
She will always be remembered for spoiling her family with her gentle unconditional love, the best
chocolate chip cookies, coffee cake, and her wonderful sense of humor. She loved to play cards, board
games, jacks, and any sport her grandchildren wanted to play. Her daily walks through the
neighborhood kept her healthy, strong, and connected to her wonderful neighbors. Paula will be dearly
missed by all.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church, 13505 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, MN. Private Interment at Fort Snelling National
Cemetery. Masks are requested.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paula’s name to the non-profit Care Dimensions Hospice,
75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.
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My thoughts and prayers go out to you Kara ,Brian and family, your Mom was a wonderful women who will be greatly missed.
Offering my sincerest condolences to all members of the Quinn family, with the passing of your Mother and Grandmother Paula. As I reflect back on my memories of Aunt Paula, I remember her gentle laughter, and sweet knowing smile. She was very perseptive, and listened intently when visiting with you. She was a loving, and doting hostess for all that came to visit her. She will be dearly missed. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time in your lives.
Hi Kara and Brian. Paula was a wonderful woman and I have fond memories of her throughout the many family reunions at the Municipal Center in Early Iowa. She was always smiling and full of joy. She is smiling above you and her love for you continues.
All our love.
Rick and Deb Fleming
My condolwnces to Brian, Kara and their families. I shall miss my baby sister. We were always close in spirit even though geographically there were miles between us. I miss her almost daily phone calls. Such a sweet spirit. I know she is in heaven with Our Lord and the rest of our family members. Rest easy sister dear. Love you. Rosie.
Will miss seeing Paula walk thru our neighborhood…Todd and I have great memories of all the Quinn’s from our elementary school years. Praying for comfort for you all.
We feel blessed to have had Paula (and Harold) as neighbors and have missed her since she’s been gone. So glad she is at peace with Jesus now but there will be a piece missing in our neighborhood.
Sending prayers to Brian and Kerry and families.
Paula and I worked together at the Gladwin Agency for many years. She was the kindest and most caring person I have ever known. We will all miss her but find comfort in that heaven has a new bright angel.
Dear Kerry and Brian,
Paula was one of God’s special creations!
You are blessed to carry on your parents legacy. I have saved many fun letters from her over the years. I loved speaking with her, she is a sweet, encouraging soul!
God bless both of your families.
All our love,
Joe and Andrea Zink
Isabella, Hannah and Olivia
We want to express our sympathy to you Brian, Sue, Kara and children. Your mom was a beautiful lady inside and out. I have so enjoyed our visits on the phone and when we were able to visit her at her home. God only takes the best you know! Thank You all for taking such good care of her this last year! You all will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Love and Hugs to you all!
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. As a small child, I remember many happy visits in Early when our family would visit. She always had a smile on her face and kind word for us kids.
Keeping you in our prayers.
Colleen and Jim Walter
Kerry, Brian, and all the Grands
I loved your Mom and Dad as if they were my own. As indeed they seemed to be. They left a lasting impression upon all. Paula was such a sweet sweet soul who loved deeply and had such a quirky sense of humor. I know Halrod and Paula are hugging and giggling together. Peace be with you and yours through this difficult time. Muck Love.
Karen (McGinnis) Ingle