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Sandralee Turner Obituary

Sandralee Turner
Retired Lunenburg school teacher; 62

LUNENBURG -- Sandralee (Minko) Turner, of Lunenburg, passed away June 15, 2013, at her home following a five year battle with ALS. She was 62.

Sandee was born in Fitchburg, July 31, 1950, the daughter of Steven and Dora (Clark) Minko.

She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Elizabeth (Lizz) C. Turner of Lunenburg; her father, Steven Minko of Lunenburg, MA, and Ocean Park, Maine; her sister, Stephanie Marshall and brother-in-law, Bruce Marshall of Ocean Park, Maine; her niece, Kerrylee Sinda and grandnephew, Steven of Houston, Texas. She also leaves her former husband, Stephen Turner of Leominster.

Sandee is now at peace with her Mother, Dora Minko.

Sandee graduated from Lunenburg High School, and received her BA, M.Ed., and CAGS from Fitchburg State University. She taught in the Lunenburg School System for 36 years, retiring in 2008. Sandee loved teaching. She often would remark how lucky she was to have a job where she looked forward going to work every day.

Sandee spent all, or part of, every summer in Ocean Park, ME. During many of those summers, she lived and worked at the Bassett House, an inn owned by her parents.

Some of Sandee's favorite things included tennis, tap dancing, cruises with the cousins, knitting with the gals at Aunt Margaret's, laughing with loved ones, cooking with Keith, a fine good wine, shopping for shoes and accordion solos. Her fun-loving personality, humor, and her love of life will be dearly missed.

Her daughter, Lizz would like to thank Rene and Barbara from Nashoba Nursing Services & Hospice for the support and care they provided for the last few years. Joyce, Jane, Kay, Dee Dee and Rhonda were Sandee's "helpers" and angels who always brought an abundance of love, laughter, and joy throughout this whole journey for Sandee and Lizz.

TURNER -- Her funeral will be held on Friday, June 21, at 11 AM in the First Baptist Church, 1400 John Fitch Hwy., Fitchburg. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 20, from 4 to 8 PM in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Compassionate Care ALS, an agency that has provided equipment and support over the years. P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574, [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Jun. 18, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandralee Turner

Not sure what to say?





Diane (Humphreys) Stevens

August 19, 2013

After all these years, she hasn't changed a bit! I remember her bright (blue) eyes and yes, that incredible smile. My sympathy to all those close to her, I know she will be missed. I pray a smile comes across your face each time you think of her.

June 21, 2013

Sandie, always loved and fondly remembered.

Jeanette Humphreys-Robichaud

June 20, 2013

Ms. Minko created so many memories for students in Lunenburg. What I remember most is her smile and her style. I also remember when the students found out she was dating Mr. Turner, oh what a buzz that created in the halls of the Middle School. Happy Memories.
My thoughts are with her family. Rest in peace.

Jim Owens

June 20, 2013

My sincerest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences to Steve, Stephanie and your whole family. I am sure that you can take solace by remembering Sandee's brilliant smile, wonderful and easy laugh and her indomitable love of life. Having loved her and been loved by her will be a blessing to you all in the years to come.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim Owens

matt creen

June 19, 2013

Sandy will be missed! She raised a great daughter and was a total feminist icon.

June 19, 2013

To Sandee's family, My thoughts are with you . . . I remember Sandee as a vibrant girl, with a great laugh. My many times at the Minko home with my best friend Stephanie and Sandee gave me many happy memories. I will hold them in my heart. Mary (Lattinville) Stacy

Sarah Yi

June 19, 2013

I had the absolute pleasure of having Mrs. Turner in seventh grade. She was such a lively and dedicated teacher. I couldn't have asked for someone better. Rest in peace, you will be missed very much.

Patrick Seda

June 18, 2013

So sad to hear about this news. I was never one of her best students but I always liked her. I'll never forget the smile she had on her face the day I had to give a book report about the American Sioux Indians in 8th grade English. It took a little courage but I came back to class dressed as an Indian and I stood in front of everyone and gave that report. It was one of the few times I really put forth a 100% effort. At the end I remember looking up and seeing her in the back of the class with that distinctive smile of hers. I really felt that she was proud of me. I've never forgotten her or that smile. I've told this story to my kids and a few other times in the past 35+ years. Oh and just in case you're wondering she gave me an A+. Rest in Peace Ms. Minko you will not be forgotten.

Ericka (Casacca) Dermarderosian

June 18, 2013

What a great teacher Ms. Turner was! She had such energy :)

June 18, 2013

My son, Christopher Taylor had her for a teacher, she was a wonderful teacher.

Cassaundra Holton

June 18, 2013

Mrs Turner was my absolute favorite teacher. My prayers are with her family.

Stephanie (Whitten) Brady

June 18, 2013

She was a very enthusiastic and inspiring teacher. Her example influences my own teaching today. Rest in peace, Miss Minko.

Charles Barr

June 18, 2013

Sandy was a great friend to everyone, especially those who attended LHS with her. She was our classmate, our drinking buddy, our sister, the girlfriend we hoped for, and a really cool individual.

Tara Horgan-Hanley

June 18, 2013

She was a great teacher-her enthusiasm was something I remember. I am sorry for your loss.

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Funeral services provided by:

Brandon Funeral Home - Fitchburg

305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420

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