Edda Pupo Turco

Edda Pupo Turco of Naples Florida died peacefully, joining her late husband Dr. John D. Turco, on Friday, August 25, 2023. Edda was born in Isca Sullo Ionio, Calabria, Italy on June 24, 1932. Boarding the Conte Di Savoia in Naples Italy in 1936, 4 year old Edda immigrated to Pennsylvania with her parents, Angelo and Rosina and 4 siblings. Growing up in the small coal Mining town of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, Edda worked alongside her sisters at her father's deli/candy store after school where she developed a keen and lifelong sweet tooth as well as a savvy business sense and an appreciation for hard work. Driven to study nursing, she attended Jefferson College in Philadelphia where she earned her RN. It was there that she also met her future husband, Dr. John D. Turco and together they settled in Hagerstown, Maryland. While raising three children, she continued to seek higher education, returning to Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA earning her BA in Psychology in 1977 and her MS in Counseling from Shippensburg State College in 1978. Edda was deeply connected to her church community at both St. Mary's and St. Ann's Catholic Parishes, where she practiced daily and donated her time and prayers to making rosaries and serving around the clock as a chaperone for perpetual adoration at the local chapel (St. Ann's), and after moving to Naples, St. Williams Catholic Church. She was engaged with volunteering throughout her life, and even as she became less mobile she continued to bead thousands of rosary strands for donation.

She enjoyed friendly competition, and that spirit shone throughout her life. While in Hagerstown, Edda excelled and won awards in golf and bowling, and was an avid Bridge competitor, ultimately becoming a gold life master. Her love for the game of bridge continued until her death. In addition to drive, beauty, and piety, those who were close to Edda were privileged enough to enjoy her sharp wit and sense of humor. Edda's attitude of acceptance stemmed from her strong faith and belief that life unfolds as is meant to be. This sagacity provided comfort to all who knew her. Her faith was her guiding light, and it was through meditation and prayer that Edda navigated her life.

 

Edda P. Turco is survived by her brother Ralph Pupo and her three children, John Turco, Jr. (Naples, Florida) and his partner Molly Jones , Elisabeth Williams (Arlington, Massachusetts) and her husband Jesse, and Jessica Turco (Salt Lake City, Utah and Naples, Florida). She has six grandchildren, Jenna Turco, Caroline Turco Kuhn, Sarah Turco, Jameson Williams, Ella Williams, and Nathaniel Williams, and three great-grandchildren, Parker (Sarah), Callum (Jenna), and Bowen (Carolyn)

 

She was predeceased by her sisters Eleanor, Josephine, Theresa, and Mary.

 

There will be a viewing for family and friends on Thursday, August 31, 4-6 pm at Rest Haven Funeral Home, Hagerstown, Md. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, September 1, 11:00 am, followed by burial and luncheon/reception at Nick's Airport Inn.

 

Donations can be made to Catholic Charities USA.