Rita Veronica Turpen

1947 - 2025

Rita Veronica Turpen, age 78, passed away Sunday evening in Garden City, Michigan, surrounded by the love of her family.

Rita was born to Rita and Mitchell Broilo on March 7, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan. In 1966, she married the love of her life, David Turpen, and together they shared more than forty years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion until his passing in 2010.

She was lovingly known as Peony, Mom, Grandma, and Boucia. Each name a testament to the beauty, strength, support, and unconditional love she shared with those around her.

Rita spent much of her early career in shoe sales at Crowley’s Department Store in Dearborn, Michigan. After Crowley’s closed, she continued her lifelong dedication to customer service, working in retail before retiring from Greektown Casino, where she served as a cashier.

She had a deep love for animals and, like many in her family, opened her home to countless cats and dogs over the years. Rita enjoyed reading, using her tablet, and spending time with her loved ones. She will be remembered by all who knew her as one of the strongest people they have ever met. Through every trial, she faced life with faith, resilience, and encouragement for those she cherished to do the same.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, David; parents, Mitchell and Rita; daughters, Theresa Turpen and Caralyn Abdraboh; sister, Cella Matusz; and brother, Frank Broilo.

She is survived by her sister, Germaine Broilo; son, Joseph Turpen; grandsons, Abid (Jordan) Turpen and Brandon Schubert; great-granddaughter, Jillian Turpen; brother-in-law, Mel Matusz; and sister-in-law, Carol Broilo. 

Rita’s warmth, humor, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.