Joan Eadie Quist

Joan Eadie Quist, age 69, passed away on Wednesday, July 25, at her home in Oak Ridge, attended by her husband, son, daughter, and long-time caregiver, after a lengthy struggle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Joan was born on July 2, 1943, in Boston, Mass.

Her parents were John Eadie Jr. and Charlotte Alvine (Barrette) Eadie, residents of Dracut, Mass., where her father operated Eadie’s Apple Orchards.

Joan graduated from Dracut High School in 1961.

During Joan’s youth, she was active in the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, serving in various positions including installation as Worthy Advisor. Joan was the 1964 Massachusetts Spring Apple Harvest Queen.

Before moving to southern California in 1968, Joan worked at the Lowell Institute of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratories.

In 1972, Joan and family moved to Huntsville, Ala., where she worked for SCI.

During the summer of 1976, Joan and family moved to Clinton. While in Clinton, she was active in supporting her children’s activities, including the Clinton Sharks Swim Team.

In 1982, Joan and family moved to Oak Ridge, where she continued to support her children’s activities. She was particularly active with the Oak Ridge Rowing Association, the Tennessee Music Festival, and local ballet activities.

Joan worked at the Hoskins Drug Store in Clinton, continuing there until she began working at the Oak Ridge law firm of Joyce, Meredith, Flitcroft, and Normand in 1990, from which she retired in 1998.

Joan sang in the Oak Ridge Chorus from 1988 until 2000 and served on the board of directors for that organization for several years. During the late 1980s, Joan had roles in several Oak Ridge Community Playhouse performances. She also served behind the scenes in several other productions.

Joan is survived by her husband, Arvin S. Quist of Oak Ridge; son Dr. Christoffer E. Poulsen (wife Lindsey, children Eadie, Evan and Ellen) of Eugene, Ore.; daughter Deborah Poulsen Harmon (children Danyelle and Neyland) of Knoxville; sister Roberta M. Gamlin (husband Gerald) of Tewksbury, Mass.; and nephews David Poulsen, Jonathan Gamlin, and Benjamin Gamlin. She is also survived by stepsons Erik S. Quist (wife Stephanie, children Kirsten and Colette), Brian C. Quist (wife Molly, children Katrina, Andy and Alex), and Mark G. Quist, all of Knoxville. Her special long-time caregiver was Melissa Longmire of Oliver Springs.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Nancy.

A memorial service will be held at United Church, Chapel-on-the-Hill, on Saturday, July 28, at 3 p.m. with Dr. Randy Hammer officiating. Family and friends are invited to meet in the church’s reception hall for conversation and refreshments following the memorial service.

Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to the East Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 10088, Knoxville, TN 37939-9910.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.