Laconia---Elaine F. Quinn, 86, of 58 Edgewater Avenue, died at the Belknap County Nursing Home, on Sunday, March 24, 2013.
Mrs. Quinn was born August 2, 1926 in Ogdensburg, New York, the daughter of Mr. Charles Allen Farley and Mrs. Pearl Woodward Farley, both from Ogdensburg, NY.
She resided and attended local schools in Ogdensburg, NY. She also attended Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY and was employed as a secretary at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. She studied dance under the direction of world renowned tap dance instructors, Jack Stanly and Roy Dodge in New York City.
In 1958, she moved to Laconia, NH. For 38 years she was the owner and operator of Elaine Quinn School of the Dance, later changed to The Elaine Quinn School of Performing Arts. The school became a second home for many of Elaine’s students. Her students found in Elaine a friend, counselor and someone they could confide in. Thousands of area residents, both young and old experienced the joy of dance through Elaine Quinn.
Mrs. Quinn was a member of the Dance Educators of America and Dance Masters of America. She was a talent agent and a judge at Talent America Shows. Many learned ballroom dance from Mrs. Quinn and attended an end of year Cotillion, which was the highlight of the dance year. Her expertly choreographed routines were performed locally and in New York City by her Dance Capades Troupe. She choreographed adult dance for the local show “Anything Goes” and received standing ovations and recurring curtain calls. She also volunteered her talents to raise money for a Catholic Church. She was a guest of the Mayor of Broadway along with a select group of teachers.
In 1996 she was presented the “Dance Teacher of the Year” through Talent America. Holding her award Elaine said, “I feel like I’ve won the Emmy for Dance Teachers. It’s a wonderful feeling.” Many of her students won National Awards for Dance and have become dance performers and dance teachers themselves.
Mrs. Quinn was a former member of the Laconia Congregational Church. She was a member of several women’s organizations.
Mrs. Quinn is survived by her husband of sixty years, Walter P. Quinn, of Laconia. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Quinn was predeceased by her son, Scott Quinn, and a brother, Charles Farley.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 29, 2013 from 6:00-8:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.
A calling hour will also be held Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 10:00-11:00AM followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1244 Old North Main Street, Laconia, N.H.
In Lieu of flowers, Mr. & Mrs. Quinn would appreciate donations for Inspiring Young Dancers to be sent to Walter P. Quinn, 58 Edgewater Ave., Laconia, N.H. 03246. This fund is to provide opportunities to inspiring young dancers to further their dancing experience in the performing arts.
Spring burial will be in the family lot in Bayside Cemetery, Laconia, N.H.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.
For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com