Roxanne Delores Mcquillen

Roxanne Delores McQuillen passed away on May 1, 2023, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Roxanne was born in Johnstown, PA on December 18, 1944. She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland.

Roxanne graduated from Central Cambria High School in 1962 and received her BA in Music Education and Master’s Degree in Music Education/Instrumental Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She taught high school band at Clarion Area High School and Richland High School before moving to Lakeland, FL in 1971. She was employed by Polk County School Board for 36 years as an elementary teacher, and as music teacher (band and chorus) at Cleveland Court and Lincoln Avenue Academy Magnet until her retirement in 2007.

Roxanne was an adjunct staff member at Florida Southern College for many years, teaching all brass, primarily trumpet, and was also the founder and member of the Clarion Brass quintet. Roxanne played her beloved trumpet in various church worship and concert settings throughout Lakeland and Central Florida.

Roxanne was preceded in death by her parents, Welden C and Betty D McQuillen and brother Thomas W McQuillen. She is survived by her sister Beverly M Starling, sister-in-law, Debbie McQuillen, nephew Garrett McQuillen (Judy); and nieces Kelly Fyock (Tom), April Noll (Andy); Meghan Starling, Kourtnie Granza (Joe), and Karlee McQuillen; great nephews and nieces Austin Bloom (Marissa), Caroline Fyock, Paige McQuillen, Hannah Bloom, Jacob McQuillen, Olivia Fyock, Giuliana Granza, Lilly Grace Starling, and Jude Granza. Extended family includes Gretchen Rogers, Brett (Jenn) Rogers, Logan, McKenna, and Amelia; Harriet Mayes, Chris Mayes (Kim), Warren and Harper.

A memorial service celebrating Roxanne's life will be held in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First UMC Lakeland Music Ministry, 72 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801.