Leola Gebina (Bernal) Quelch of Rehoboth Beach and formerly of McLean, Va., died quietly in Washington D.C. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. She was born April 2, 1916, in St. Louis, Mi., to Dr. Leon and Gebina (Post) Bernal, the second of six children.

After graduating from Beaumont High School she pursued a career in dress designing, and then bookkeeping, a profession she favored most of her working years. She was married in 1943 to her husband of 56 years, Albert Leonard Quelch, a World War II Army veteran of the German campaign. They moved to the Washington, D.C. area following the birth of their only child, Deborah Ann, in 1950, and lived in McLean.

In later years Leola and Albert moved to Rehoboth Beach, where she lived happily for nearly two decades within easy walking distance of the beach. She loved watching the sun set on the bay and rise on the ocean.

During her retirement years Leola pursued her hobbies of travelling, quilting, and baking. She will be remembered by many for her cookies and her famous pound cake, a recipe she did not readily share. She was an active member of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, enjoying particularly the outings to places around the state of Delaware.

Leola was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She found great joy in spending time with family.

She is survived by three brothers; her daughter Deborah Chaconas and son-in-law George Chaconas; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A private ceremony will occur.