Jean Turney

Jean Thiele Turney, 94, passed away Sunday, December 8th surrounded by her family and adoring husband, Dick, of 72 remarkable years. Born and raised in Maynard, Iowa, Jean will be forever remembered by her deep devotion to family and friends.

Jean graduated from Iowa State in 1952. Upon graduation Jean married Dick and they moved to Tacoma, WA during Dick's service in the Air Force. Their next move found them in Cambridge, MA where Jean taught school while Dick attended law school. They then moved to Cleveland where they resided for over forty years. Jean and Dick shared a long life together that included raising a family, extensive travel and charitable endeavors.

A devoted wife and mother, Jean embodied the spirit of competition whether playing golf, tennis, or at the bridge table. Jean played piano and drums and enjoyed dancing whenever possible. Jean had a keen sense of style, always crafting her own unique look. Her zest for life was infectious and her ability to light up any room she entered left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of her company.

Jean and Dick raised their family in Cleveland, OH and Sanibel Island, FL and spent summers at Lake Chautauqua, NY where the family gathered.

Jean had four children, the late John (Mimi) Turney of Chicago, IL, Deborah (Martin) Digel of Bradford, PA, Barbara (Douglas) Heussler of Annapolis, MD, and Jacquelyn (John) Beecher of Orchard Park, NY. Nine grandchildren "the nifty nine" and eight great-grandchildren will deeply miss the "The Great Nonnini" and will carry on her spirit. Jean encouraged the entire family to be together and she showed them how to live life fully and have fun.

A special thank you to the caregivers who comforted Jean.

A Celebration of Life will be held next summer.

Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Institution - John R. Turney Sailing Center, P.O. Box 28, Chautauqua, NY 14722.