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Martha TURNER Obituary





TURNER, Martha Lee

Martha Lee Turner, 67, of Berlin, died January 20, 2013, at Hartford Hospital. She was born in Lowell, MA, June 17, 1945, a daughter of the late Amos S. Turner, Jr. and Eleanor Carr Turner. She was a graduate of D'Youville College with a BA in Math and Chemistry. She later received her Masters Degree in Education and a Sixth Year in Guidance and Counseling. She had been employed by the Newington Public Schools teaching math for 36 years before retiring in 2002. Geometry and Statistics were her favorites. While at Newington High School, she started the Girls Basketball program and coached them for 25 years. Prior to and during her retirement, she was devoted to the care of her mom, doing anything and everything for her. In retirement, she became an avid dog agility competitor. She took great pride in training her dogs. She became a student of the sport. She loved attending competitions, talking with and cheering on fellow competitors, always helping wherever she could to make a trial run smoothly. She is survived by her lifelong best friend, Joyce E. Rivers; her sister, Melissa T. Cohen; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Peter A. and Ann Turner, and Mark A. and Debbie Turner; her nieces and nephews, Melissa Kozusko (Dan), Debbie Turner, Alex Turner (Michelle), Cassandra Cohen and Stephanie Turner. She is also survived by her second family, the Rivers and the Arisco's.
Her family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford, on Sunday, January 27, 2013, from 2 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home Sunday at 5 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be sent to the New England Sheltie Rescue, New England Sheltie Rescue, c/o Donna Vera, 274 Colburn Rd., Canturbury, CT. 06331-1117, www.pond-house.com/nesheltierescue, or the Animal Cancer Foundation, 129 Glover Ave., Norwalk, CT 06850, www.acfoundation.org Online memorial at www.wallingfordfh.com.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 23, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martha TURNER

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Reading this guest book reminds me yet again of the ripple effect of one's actions. Sometimes one ponders if our interactions have a positive or negative effect on the people that cross our life's path, even momentarily.

Clearly, Martha's influence on people over the years was far reaching and overwhelmingly positive.

May our legacy be as impressive as yours, Martha!

Leslie Vassall

April 19, 2013

I was shocked to read about the passing of Martha. I've known Martha since high school at Keith Hall in Lowell. We both went on to D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY. I remember our first night in the dorm. The other girls in the dorm loved our accents and made us stay up half the night talking. We had a lot of friends in common and would share the 8-hour rides home to Lowell with a few others. Martha was always a lover of life and a true leader. She especially loved the game of basketball. I tried to contact her when I moved to Connecticut, but it was during the time that her mother was sick and we never did connect again. Someone asked me about Martha just a few months ago when I was visiting in Lowell with some of the Keith Hall classmates (celebrating the 50th reunion). I was sorry that I didn't have much information to give them.
Another connection to Martha was that her mother and my mother both went to school together at Immaculate Conception in Lowell and Mrs. Turner was one of the social workers that came to our house in West Chelmsford when I was very young. Mrs. Turner was iin charge of some of the foster children that my parents took care of.
I am sorry for your loss. I remember Melissa (from D'YC) and Peter (a little). I spent a vacation with you and your family at Cape Cod one summer. My prayers are with the whole family. God bless you.

Sheila Cryan Morris

April 14, 2013

I hope it is not too late to express my sympathy -- I just read of Martha's passing in the D'Youville D'Mensions. Martha was two years ahead of me at the Immaculate, Keith Hall and D'Youville. I remember her as a young girl, hair pulled back in a (braided?) pony tail, working at the soda fountain in Carr's drug store. Sometimes a group of us would rent a car to travel home from Buffalo. Once Martha was driving and we were stopped by a trooper. "Everyone be quiet," she commanded, "let me do the talking!" We of course obeyed because she was liable to stare us down with, "Who rattled YOUR cage?" Although I did not keep in touch with Martha after she graduated, I am not surprised to learn of her caring teaching and coaching career. She was energetically involved in everything she undertook. My condolences to Melissa and all the rest of Martha's family.

Mary Lanigan Regan

April 7, 2013

Reading Miss Turner's obit in the Berlin newspaper today brought back memories of geometry and stats classes in high school (early 90s). Standard deviation in first period -- whoa! She was tough -- though in hindsight, she was one of the best because she cared deeply if she thought you had potential. She wanted you to do your best and would help you and not let you slack. Tough love. I couldn't understand circle proofs and she would coach me after school until I got them. I also remember that during the 4 minute class change time when the halls were really noisy, she would stand in her doorway (room 220) and say "feeding time at the zoo" and it would break the ice in class every time. My sincere condolences to your family, Miss Turner! :)

Suzanne Wall

January 31, 2013

Joyce I am sorry for your lost my prayer
go out for you and family, i met Martha at southington care center,, while taking care of her mother, she was a wonderful person.

Doris walker

January 30, 2013

Heather King

January 30, 2013

Joyce, all our condolences to you and your family,Martha was a special woman who brought vitality and joy to all that she knew, she was a wonderful spirit. All my thoughts are with you.

Tracy Bernard-Cyr

January 29, 2013

I guess heaven needed one more angel to watch over all the dogs at the rainbow bridge - can't think of anyone better than Martha. I'll miss seeing her at trials, and listening to her great stories... I'm so sorry for your loss, Joyce.

Lori Eliot

January 28, 2013

I also have to be grateful for Miss Turner and not getting her as a math teacher. They always said she was the toughest math teacher in Newington! I was happy just being her friend! Kathleen Hynes Hammock

January 28, 2013

I never played basketball with Miss Turner, or Wurney as I always affectionately called her. She was my home room teacher and a family friend. I have such wonderful memories of seeing her during the day or at basketball practice when I was after school cheer leading!! You know how much she loved that! I wrote you in my yearbook write up. You will always be remembered Wurney! Love to Joyce...Kathleen Hynes Hammock

January 28, 2013

Joyce, We were teammates at Lyman Hall when we first met Martha. She was a great person and always looked out for us at camp, at Quinnipiac and the Poconos. Just when we thought we knew everything about b-ball she would prove us wrong. You were lucky to have shared your life with such an amazing person. God bless Martha and know that I'm thinking of you. All my love, Pinny

Cherlyn Paul- Gill

January 27, 2013

My condonlences, Martha was a true professional, it was a pleasure to have taught with her, Robert Lombardi

January 27, 2013

Joyce, Our sincere sympathy to you and all Martha's family and friends. Martha's passing was much too soon. We are so sorry. She will always be remembered in the Newington Math Department family.

Lou & Linda Ruggiero

January 26, 2013

I've been reading all of these posts this week and wonder at the sheer amount of people who have said Martha had a direct impact on their lives. As her oldest niece, all I can say is "me, too." Martha was one of my most favorite relatives and words can't really express all of the influence she had over me. She will be sorely missed and remembered with love and laughter.

Melissa Turner Kozusko

January 25, 2013

You never know how much someone touches your life or you touch their's in return. Martha was one of those people. She touched the lives of the students at Newington High, even those that did not have the opportunity to learn from her in the classroom. Martha's smile, enthusiasm for life and presence on earth will truly be missed by all. I am happy our paths crossed again and I had the opportunity to give something back to her.

Deb Weisman

January 25, 2013

Joyce,
I am heartfelt and terribly sorry for the loss of Martha. You have my deepest sympathy and will remain in my thoughts. Marguerite Harris

January 25, 2013

I first knew Martha back in September of 1969 when we shared a classroom at the "old" Newington High School on Cedar Street, and worked with her in the mathematics department for over thirty years. Sincere condolences to all who knew and loved her.

Peter Huybrechts

January 25, 2013

Martha was part of the Newington Math Dept family. She was an excellent teacher that helped mold many Newington students. I as her Dept head felt bless to have worked with a kind and dedicated person. The education world lost a wonderful person whose spirit lives on in the students she touched at NHS.
Thank you Martha! I will miss you.

David Pouliot

January 25, 2013

I think all of the agility folks in New England will miss Martha. Always there to lend a heling hand or an ear if needed. I think she loved every dog she saw! Will miss her!

Ann Shepard

January 24, 2013

Please accept my sincere sympathy. Although Martha and I have not kept in touch since retiring, I will always consider her a friend.

Willa Eckersley

January 24, 2013

Martha, you were a kind and gentle person. I will miss seeing you at the trials and miss the way you spoke of your dogs with such love and devotion. My heart goes out to your family.

Erin Schaefer

January 24, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to Miss Turner's family. She was a special person and will be missed!

Tammy Manente, Newington CT

January 24, 2013

My heart and condolences go out to Miss Turner and her family. Coach, because of you I began a love of playing sports. Even though you were tough on me, my life is now filled with fond memories of playing b'ball and, more importantly, with many life-long friends! Rest In Peace!

MaryEllen MacKinnon

January 24, 2013

So Sorry for your loss Joyce. Many years have passed now, but I will always remember playing for Coach Turner. I enjoyed all 4 years JV and Varsity. 3 basketballs will fit in a hoop at the same time, Geometry made sense, Algebra didn't, but playing sports made all of it better. Rest in Peace Coach.

Colleen Smith

January 24, 2013

I was blessed to have Ms. Turner twice during my years at NHS. Without a doubt, she was tough! She did teach me a tremendous amount in math, but maybe more lessons about life. I will always remember her fondly and with a great deal of appreciation.

Cindy Lantz

January 24, 2013

Martha you were a part of our family for many years.We will remember all the happy times we spent together.Christmas Eve will not be the same without you.We will never forget you.

Marge and Jude

January 24, 2013

Martha brought so much light and energy with her. Her ability to notice small details, care about people and their dogs and her ability to smile was extraordinary. Agility won't be the same, Martha you will be missed. Joyce I am so sorry for your loss.

Debbie West

January 24, 2013

Thanks Martha for being a teacher and a friend to our daughters at class and B-ball at Newington High. Many fond memories. Condolence to family and to Joyce

Dan and Ann Kosinski

January 23, 2013

Miss Turner taught me so much about life and was a wonderful person. I will never forget her smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Joyce.

Kelly Hynes

January 23, 2013

Never took the time to thank coach for my high school years and to tell her I became a math teacher and coach in north Carolina for 17 years. You never know sometimes how much our past leads us. Thank you coach!

karen "stretch" mcord hill

January 23, 2013

My high school experience would have definitely not been the same without the "Martha" experience. B-ball practices were very tough physically but at times hysterically funny as well. I am grateful to her for letting us be us and enjoying ourselves while we learned and worked at the sport. And then there were all the other adventures . . . "Thank you Martha Dear". My condolences to Joyce and the family.

Ann E K Brown

January 23, 2013

Martha was larger than life and made any day brighter with her smile! I am honored to have called her my friend. Agility trials will not be the same without her, we will all miss the lively conversation that she always engaged us in. Most of all, we will miss her gentle caring heart and constant encouragement! Sending warm thoughts, prayers and a big hug to you. I am so very sorry, she will be missed by us all!

Valerie Whiterock

January 23, 2013

Thank you for having faith in me when I had you in 9th grade 35 years ago. You will be missed...

Nancy Mercurio

January 23, 2013

My heartfelt condolences go out to you, Joyce. I will miss seeing Martha at agility trials. She was a kind and caring person who knew how to make everyone smile.

Suzann Milheron

January 23, 2013

Miss Turner was one of my favorite teachers at NHS. Because of her I learned to really enjoy math. My love of the subject led me to also teach high school math (Geomety) starting with subbing for her at times as well. I will always remember her tough "love" for her students which we could only appreciate later in our lives.

Julie Hughes

January 23, 2013

So many former students and basketball gals were impacted by Martha - our condolences to your family.

Tina Podlodowski

January 23, 2013

I was so saddened to hear. My heart and thoughts go out to Joyce and to the families. Many memories of Coach/Miss Turner from my NHS high school years. She taught us all so much - not only about the game, but about life: challenges, strength, how to push to reach your goals, competition, and the love of sport. 30+ years later I can still remember her taping my ankles before a game (what coach does that?! xo) and calling me "Cinderella" if I wasn't tough enough rebounding, etc. I took it affectionately and still smile thinking about it. Thank you, Martha. God Bless.

Cynthia Portner

January 23, 2013

Some of the best years of my life were playing basketball for Miss Turner! I will always remember those days and all our laughs, rivals and wind sprints!! Condolences to Martha's family and friends...

Claudette Kosinski

January 23, 2013

I thank you for all your patience in math and basketball. You were ahead of you time and will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Joyce, God bless

Laura Kosinski

January 23, 2013

Joyce,
Our deepest sympathy to you and families at this very difficult time. Martha was an exceptional person who will be missed.

Cheryl and Carey Griffin

January 23, 2013

Martha was one of the first people I met and my first agility trial. She was so supportive and helpful. I always loved to see her and Joyce and to spend time with them. I am so sad that Martha is gone, but she will be watching out for us all from above.

Diane Marshall

January 23, 2013

martha was a bright note at every trial I saw her at. She remembered everyone and their dogs. Genuine and vibrant soul who always had a good word to say. I am very sad to hear of her passing and she will be sorley missed in the agility community.

Sandie Hanlon

January 23, 2013

Getting to visit and catch up with Martha and Joyce were always one of the highlights to any agility weekend. Martha will be sorely missed, she was an amazing person.

Katrin Andberg

January 23, 2013

Heaven is getting crowded...

Chris Lynch

January 23, 2013

Thank you Martha for your kindness and smile that I so look forward to seeing at agility trials and classes. I will miss you like so many will miss you. You truly made a difference to me and others. Love Lisa, Captain Jack and Caya

Lisa Donnarumma

January 23, 2013

I thank you Martha for always being so supportive. & a wonderful, amazing person. I will miss you so much.

Love Kelly & the B Boys

January 23, 2013

I have lost my dearest friend and partner in this life. Thank you Martha for all that you have taught me and thank you for loving me each and every day. I will miss you more than words could ever say.

Joy

January 22, 2013

Martha has always been one of the kindest most giving people we've known. We are going to miss seeing her and talking with her at trials, but, are thankful to have known her. Our sympathies to all who loved Martha ... it's a huge list. God bless, prayers are with all.

Diane and Bill Patterson

January 22, 2013

Martha will be dearly missed but will remain forever in our hearts.

Love,
Peter and Ann

Ann Turner

January 22, 2013

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