Elizabeth Quarles Glennon

Elizabeth Q. Glennon, 92, passed away on March 20, 2025.

Known as Bep to friends and family, she was born in Boston to John and Josephine Quarles on May 31, 1932. A graduate of Pomona College, class of 1954, she entered Harvard Law School in 1957, leaving after one year to marry and start a family in northern Virginia. She completed her law degree from George Washington University in 1970 and opened the first all-woman law firm in Virginia with a former Harvard Law classmate. She practiced law in Reston for the next 26 years, proud to be considered one of Reston’s pioneering women and relishing her work and the many friendships she made during these years.

Remembered as independent, generous, and strong-minded, Bep cherished her relationships with extended family and lifelong friends, and always had room for guests. Her home was a frequent way-station for friends and strangers alike, and became a home away from home for many.

She loved to be outdoors, preferably in the ocean, and fondly remembered her years leading overnight canoe trips as a camp counselor. After retiring she could be found hiking in Great Falls Park when not traveling or doing physically demanding volunteer work at one of the many organizations she supported, including Herndon-Reston FISH, the Bargain Loft, the Smithsonian, and Hillwood Museum.

Bep will be greatly missed by her many friends and family. She is survived by her children Sarah Ayling and Katherine Glennon, sons-in-law Harry Ayling and Russell Kallis, grandchildren Kevin Ayling, Natalie Ayling, and Eavan Kallis, and sister Barbara (Quarles) Harper. She was preceded in death by her brother John R. Quarles, Jr.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire Jefferson staff for their years of care and compassion, and would like to thank Assisting Hands Home Care and Capital Caring Health Hospice for assistance in the last year of her life.

Cremation has taken place and interment will be in Carpinteria, CA, where she spent happy summers on the family farm. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 3:00PM at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA, 20191.

In lieu of other remembrances, Bep would encourage you to enjoy a hike in the woods or a stroll through Virginia bluebells, but not before finishing your chores.