Annie Laurie Quackenbush

Lolly had a keen intellect and sharp wit and a rather impish sense of humor. Her playful spirit touched many lives, especially the young people around her. She passed away peacefully on July 29th, 2012. Lolly was born in Phoenix, Arizona on April 26th, 1935 in a period of both struggle and opportunity. She lost her father at a very young age and was raised in an environment of strong and self-determined women. She went on to get her Bachelors degree from the University of Oregon, Masters degree from Reed College and her Ph.D. in political science from Washington State University. She spent most of her professional life as teacher and as an administrator at Humboldt State University. She was an active member of her Chi Omega sorority and loved reconnecting with her “Ducks”. She enjoyed history and political science and was dedicated to causes helping the poor and underprivileged. She fought tirelessly for women’s rights and was a role model for many around her.

She moved to Santa Barbara in 1990 where she was an active member of the community through the League of Women Voters, Democratic Women of Santa Barbara and many other causes. She loved movies and performing arts and was a volunteer usher at countless events. She loved attending the Unitarian Church where she found great comfort in the openness and acceptance of the people. However, her real passion was with young people. She volunteered at Adams Elementary School where she helped teach kids how to read. They loved her funny and gentle character and called her “Mrs. Q”.

Lolly is survived by her brother, Robert Quackenbush, New York, New York; daughter, Laura Haston, Santa Barbara, California; son, Roger Haston, Silverthorne, Colorado; and grandaughter, Jessica Davis, Santa Barbara California.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Adams Elementary School Reading Program, 2701 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, CA.