Nora Joy Quillen

Nora Joy Quillen, age 14, of Spring Arbor, MI passed away at home on Friday, February 21, 2025. Nora was born in Traverse City, MI on October 8, 2010 and is the daughter of Jason & Miriam Quillen. She is survived by her parents and two devoted sisters, Maya & Veda. Nora is the middle Quillen sister who had the privilege of being both little sister and big sister. Nora attended Glenn Loomis Montessori in Traverse City, MI for her elementary years and then Paragon Charter Academy of Jackson, MI for 6th-8th grade. She bravely walked across the stage to receive her 8th grade diploma and academic honors only to be diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor just days later. That tumor took her speech, and her ability to move. It did not take her ability to laugh and it did not steal her joy. Nora’s family is heartbroken to lose her so soon, but rejoices that her healing has come, and she is fully restored and walking with her Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Nora worked hard in school to be on the Dean’s List, as this was very important to her. She was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society in 6th grade and served as vice president and treasurer in her 7th and 8th grade years, respectively. Nora had a love for music. At a young age she learned to first play ukulele, and then guitar, and spent a lot of time singing with her sisters, and also her friend Abigail. Nora enjoyed participating in various musicals: Jungle Book Jr., Bye Bye Birdie, and Les Miserables. She also sang in the Paragon Choir, Northwest Kidder Middle School Honors Choir, and participated in MSVMA Solo & Ensemble and Choir Festival. Nora loved being a part of the youth group at the Arbor Church and enjoyed helping lead worship on Sunday nights.  There was a special spot in Nora’s heart for babies and young children. On the mornings she would serve in the church nursery, she would often say, “I hope I get to hold a crying baby today” – the opposite of what most folks were hoping for. Nora was a comforter — a comforter to crying babies, to her friends, her sisters, and her loved ones. Nora’s goofy, adventurous spirit, love for Jesus, wide grin, and compassion for others made her a joy to be around. She wasn’t afraid to try new things, and was learning to play tennis and the drums. Nora found joy in making friendship bracelets, puzzling with her grandmothers, caring for animals, hanging out with her friends and her family, playing Legos and scootering with her little sister and tucking her big sister in at night.

A celebration of Nora’s life will be held at the Arbor Church on Friday, March 21st @ 1pm. All are welcome.

There will be more information to come regarding memorial contributions given in Nora’s name.

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