Quillen Elizabeth McDaigle

Quillen Elizabeth McDaigle passed away peacefully at Golisano Children’s Hospital on February 16th in the loving arms of her two moms. Quillen was born June 28th, 2017 to Nicole and Jennifer McDaigle. At age two Quillen was diagnosed with a rare regressive neurological disorder known as PEBAT, (Progressive Early-Onset, Brain Atrophy, and Thin corpus callosum) with only 34 known cases in the world.

Though the disease prevented her from ever learning to walk or talk, it did not deprive her of the ability to live a full and happy life. In Quillen’s 5.5 years on earth, she has taken the starlight train up the California coast, experienced whale watches, enjoyed Spaghetti Bolognese in Cancun, Mexico and felt the rush of the warm waves and the soft sand between her toes. She experienced the cool mist on her face from the waterfall at Multnomah Falls in Oregon, and hiked up Rattlesnake Mountain and delighted in the breathtaking views of Lake Squam. She was carried over the frozen ice of Lake Kanasatska in Moultonbourough, NH and on her last family trip strolled through the streets of Provincetown, Massachusetts and felt the refreshing summer breeze off the coast of Maine. Her many adventures took her throughout Florida as well as to Connecticut, Georgia, Washington, Alabama, the Tennessee mountains, Pennsylvania, and Mexico.

Quillen will be remembered not only for her warrior strength as she worked to fight her debilitating disease, but her ability to bring people together, her Buddha-like presence, and the profound gift to shine her luminous light in the gloomiest of places. She was the most amazing daughter and best big sister. Quillen had an infectious laugh, the cutest smile, the most precious grin, sassiest side eye, gorgeous hair, and she spoke volumes through the most soulful eyes anyone has ever seen. There was an implicit wisdom about her that was felt by all, and she impacted everyone near and far through her story, resilience, and strength in the most challenging circumstances.

Quillen is survived by Mothers Nicole and Jennifer McDaigle and sister Waverly McDaigle (Cape Coral, FL); Grandparents Christine Rosenbaum (Cape Coral, FL), Ron and Robin Daigle (Suffield, CT); Craig and Candy Monroe (Pinellas Park, FL); Steve and Brenda Chapin (Crystal River, FL); Paul and Linda McKenzie (Crystal River, FL); Aunts and Uncles Christopher Monroe and Sarah Ribeiro (Brooklyn, NY); Brandon Monroe (Enfield, CT);Taylor Daigle (West Hartford, CT); Courtney Daigle (Durham, NH); Stephanie and Eric Brussel (Citrus Springs, FL); Syble Smyka (Hudson, FL); Tracy and Kevin Danaher (Niceville, FL); Kevin Chapin (Deerfield Beach, FL); and Honorary Aunt and Buddy Lisa Conti (Kensington, CT); Cousins Alexis Presley, Ethan Brussel, JP Constantinopoli; and Emily and Sean Danaher. Quillen is predeceased by Nana Beth Monroe and Pop Clarence (Butch) Howard.

The family would like to thank Quillen’s devoted occupational, physical and speech therapists, her home-bound nurses, as well as the nursing and medical staff at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that any donations be made to the TBCD Foundation https://tbcdfoundation.org in an effort to find a cure for this devastating and terminal disease.

An Open Reception will be held inside the Large Venue Room on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 2:00pm-3:15pm at Coral Ridge Funeral Home 950 Chiquita Blvd S. Cape Coral FL 33991. There will be light food and refreshments served for guests during this time period.

Open Reflections (Open participation from attendees) will be held within the same Large Venue Room on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 3:15-4:15. The family is encouraging participation to reflect on stories and words of comfort during this time period.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 11th, 2023 at 4:15pm at Coral Ridge Funeral Home 950 Chiquita Blvd S. Cape Coral FL 33991