"I wanted to return to work ... my husband said it wouldn't last three months."
An adviser told her if she was really keen on fashion "then don't get into weddings or big sizes".
With that in mind, she decided that's exactly what she would do and she has never looked back.
Women came up from the South Island and from all over the North Island to shop at Tizzies, she said.
It amazes her how she managed because she simply had no room in the tiny shop.
"So I still put everything in and the only way really you could decide what was lovely was to let me help you try things on ... I gave very good advice."
The clothes were all designer labels even though they were crammed in so you literally couldn't move, she said.
Mothers-of-the-bride became a huge market along with other members of the wedding party and, of course, designer gear for the fuller figure was so successful that Tizzies became a legend.
Mrs McQuade said she specialised in making women look great for that special occasion.
As her national advert says: "Whether you have to go to a wedding, or need a mother-of-the-bride outfit or need a gown for that special occasion, we at Tizzies will dress you so you are looking your best. We have gorgeous gowns and outfits and can give you one-on-one advice on what best suits you."
Until it ceases to trade next year, it will be a smaller, select boutique because a larger warehouse-sized shop next door has become the on-sale, clearing room.
"There's some very good bargains, too."
Mrs McQuade is running the large clearance store as Tizzies while her sister, Sylvia Clark, has taken over the new, select boutique called Flossies.
