My friend and work colleague Marie Quinn passed away Wednesday February 17, aged 86. Following a few years of health issues, it was time for Marie to leave us all – after touching the hearts and lives of many.

Although Marie had spent many years as a Certified Financial Planner, it was only in the last ten years that I met her.

As it happens, her cousin Father Jim, married my wife and me thirty-six years ago. So, it seems it was inevitable we would one day meet.

Marie was a fiercely independent woman who had a strong sense of right and wrong.

This she carried through to her financial planning clients and steered them well away from the harm of finance companies, CDO’s and advisers she would describe in her own words as: “dead from the neck up.” 

Prior to meeting Marie, I did wonder who this woman was that would turn up late to industry meetings and ask the most excruciatingly awkward questions. The ones we would have liked to ask but didn’t have the guts to do so.

I was privileged to spend the next few years finding out who Marie was through laughter, tears and many stories of the Who’s Who of Auckland.

The things in life that were most precious to Marie could be simply put as religion, family, work and politics. Church was very important and kept her balanced in the most difficult times of her life.

And it seemed Marie’s office was the go-to place for many. Whether it be Don Brash, David Seymour, John Banks, to name a few.

I will miss this warrior woman, clothed in an 86-year old’s body. She will be one less colourful character we have, within an industry of vanilla.

Rest in peace my dear friend. 

ASSET profiled Marie Quinn in September 2019. The full story can be read here.