Marilyn Quirk

Marilyn Montalbano Quirk, known for her devotion to her faith and family and as a role model and inspiration to women, passed away peacefully at her home on March 12, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in New Orleans on June 11, 1939, to the late Benedict Montalbano and the late Dorothy Eldridge Montalbano, she attended Fortier High School and Louisiana State University.

Marilyn learned the power of prayer from her grandmother, Annie Eldridge, and had a calling to service from a young age. While studying at LSU to become an Episcopal medical missionary, she converted to Catholicism in 1958, the same year she married Peter after meeting him on a blind date the prior year. Peter and Marilyn each shared a love for their Catholic faith and have made meaningful contributions to the Catholic Church both independently and as a couple.

Marilyn was an inspirational speaker and touched the lives of thousands of women. In 1981, inspired by the late Bishop Stanley J. Ott and the late Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, Marilyn and a small group of local women founded Magnificat, a Ministry to Catholic Women. The organization started with a small gathering and has grown exponentially as a global organization with Chapters spanning the US and around the world, serving thousands of women. Marilyn traveled internationally to establish new Chapters and served as Founding Coordinator of the global organization for more than 30 years and as Coordinator Emeritus until her death.

Marilyn had a special and longstanding devotion to Our Lady, the Blessed Mother of Jesus. While praying the rosary alone at the Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Xavier Church on February 6, 2010, she experienced cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive by a volunteer preparing for the St. Joseph’s Altar. By the grace of God, the volunteer’s quick intervention and the outstanding care team at Ochsner Health, she survived the incident and was awoken days later to learn that her son-in-law, Mitch, had been elected Mayor of New Orleans and the city’s beloved Saints were Super Bowl XLIV Champions! As was God’s plan, Marilyn’s life was extended to continue her ministry and welcome more grandchildren. The date of her passing sixteen years later coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Miracles.

Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Award (front)

Marilyn was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice papal medal from Pope John Paul II for her outstanding service to the Catholic Church and her work in founding Magnificat. The Catholic Community Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans awarded her the Pope John Paul II award for her exemplary stewardship and volunteer service to the Archdiocese.

Marilyn was a humble leader, always building up others without seeking personal attention or recognition.

Our beloved Marilyn Quirk, was founding Coordinator of Magnificat for 31 years and Coordinator Emeritus of its Central Service Team.  Much like a spiritual mother to all of her Magnificat daughters, she was truly God’s gift sent to us for these exciting times in which we live.

While studying to become an Episcopal medical missionary in 1958, Marilyn converted to Catholicism.  Devoted to Our Lady and attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, she was involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1970. She served as a member of the Steering Committee for the Southern Regional Conference and has served on the National Leadership Council of the Renewal.

Striving to live a life of devoted service to God, her family and her church, she and her husband, Peter, were especially proud of their six children and thirteen grandchildren. Members of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and Legatus, Marilyn and Peter served their parish, St. Angela Merici in New Orleans, as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.

Marilyn, pray for us!

Last Updated on April 10, 2026.