Quad/Graphics co-founder passes away

Quadracci died peacefully at her home in Wisconsin earlier this month. She was aged 75.

Quadracci co-founded Quad/Graphics in 1971 with her late husband, Harry Quadracci. The company started operations in a vacant factory in Pewaukee with a single printing press and just 11 employees. Today, Quad/Graphics is a leading global printer and multichannel media integrator with 25,000 employees worldwide at 65-plus printing plants and dozens of support facilities.

During Quad/Graphics' early years, she held many roles. In 1985, Betty founded Quad/Creative, a graphic design firm now known as Quad/Graphics Creative Solutions. In 2002 she became a member of the Quad/Graphics board of directors. Betty also served as the president of the Windhover Foundation, a philanthropic organization funded by the Quadracci family.

Joel Quadracci, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Quad/Graphics, said: ‘As you can imagine, today is a very difficult and sad day for us, but also one of celebration as we commemorate my mother's very accomplished life.

‘She passed away peacefully and we take comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven with my father Harry.

‘As a co-founder of this company, Betty shared Harry's passion for creating a company like no other. She provided endless encouragement – even when Harry doubted himself. She suggested he take out a second mortgage on their home to give wings to their shared dream. Truly, Betty is a big reason why Quad/Graphics is here today.’

Betty Quadracci is survived by her four children – Richard, Kathryn, Joel and Elizabeth –, 10 grandchildren and her five siblings.