December 18, 1941&endash;December 18, 1996
The Quality Digest family has lost a dear friend. Elizabeth Maxwell Dewar, CEO and chairman of the board of QCI International, died on December 18.
Elizabeth co-founded QCI International with her husband, Donald L. Dewar, in 1978. Together they launched Quality Circle Digest in 1981, which later became Quality Digest. She also worked closely with her husband to launch the International Association of Quality Circles, which later became the Association for Quality and Participation.
She also started Fantasia, a jewelry company that manufactured custom-designed, handmade earrings and other items. Her jewelry designs were wildly popular and nationally distributed.
Elizabeth's business accomplishments were impressive, but her true love was her artwork. She won national recognition for her series of carousel art, which was showcased at galleries around the country. Her work was so popular that she launched another business, Carousel Art Publications, to meet the demand for prints, cards and stationery of her artwork. She also collected and restored antique carousel horses, which were displayed for the public to enjoy.
Elizabeth led an extremely busy and full life. She never did anything halfway. She attacked every project with full force. She would often start work at 3:00 a.m. or work through the night on a project that she was excited about. Her enthusiasm was contagious and her spirit indefatigable.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Elizabeth have had our lives forever changed by her. She taught us to always see the positive side of every situation, to laugh at our own self-importance and to live life on our own terms&emdash;not someone else's. She truly was one of the rare and special people who see life as an adventure to be lived, not to plod through. And although her time with us was far too short, she lived and loved enough for several lifetimes.
Elizabeth's world was of carousels and laughter&emdash;an endless day at the circus, a lifetime of sunny days. She never stopped reaching for the brass ring. When she had it, she never failed to share it with others.
Good night, Elizabeth. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse of your world and for sharing your life. We'll miss your ever-present smile, your explosive laughter, your kind words and your generous heart.