Mary “Edna” (Poirier) Turner R.N., passed away, peacefully on Sunday, September 1st. 2013, at the Nithview Home, New Hamburg, Ontario, at the age of 85. Edna is survived by her loving husband of 55 years Graham W. Turner (together they lived up to one year ago on Hawkins Crescent., Hickory Hills, Tillsonburg). Edna was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Tillsonburg and the St. Mary’s C.W.L. Both Edna and Graham were Returned Canadian Veterans who both answered their country’s call and both served in active duty conditions overseas. Edna was a dedicated R.N. Nurse throughout most of her life beginning at a Convent in P.E.I. She later further trained as a R.N. and served heroically with the R.C.A.F. as a Flight Nurse R.N. Attendant during the Korean Air Lift (1951-1956). Edna continued her dedicated caregiving as a R.N. spending several years serving the Inuit communities in Canada’s Yukon and N.W.T.
After having and raising children, Edna continued nursing with her longest tenure at the Dufferin District Hospital, Orangeville, during which time, she returned to school and achieved critical care nursing credentials. After later retiring, Edna and Graham moved to Hickory Hills, Tillsonburg. Edna continued to be an active volunteer with the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and she was later awarded the Town of Tillsonburg “Volunteer of the Month” in April, 2002. Edna’s hobby and lifetime passion was knitting. Friends and family and many various charities were the recipients of hundreds of her hand-knitted sweaters and blankets over the years. She continued knitting throughout her life recently finishing a beautiful blanket in July. Because of their declining health, Edna and Graham moved to Waterloo in 2012, to be closer to family.
“Edna is lovingly remembered as a peaceful, gentle woman who touched the lives of many, and made no enemies. Her spirit and attitude live on in her family and in all those whose lives were touched and enriched by her loving presence.”
Edna is survived by two sons, Doug and his wife Sue (Kaufman) and Earl and his wife Eva (Bruni) and grandchildren: Sara, Mark, Jennifer and David and great-grandchildren McKenna, Simon and Alyosha. Edna is survived by three sisters: Rita, Doris, Frieda (George) and a brother John and nieces, nephews and cousins. Edna is predeceased by a brother Leonard (1995). Friends and relatives will be received by the family on Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the VERHOEVE FUNERAL HOME, 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-4238). Military Honours Memorial Service under the auspices of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. # 153, Tillsonburg to be edified on Thursday evening at 7:15 p.m. Parish Prayers are to follow Thursday evening at 7:45 p.m.
Funeral Liturgical Service on Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the VERHOEVE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 262 Broadway St., Tillsonburg, by Rev. Father Tom Ferrera. Inurnment follows in the Tillsonburg Cemetery. Memorial donations are payable by cheque only to “St. Mary’s Church Building Fund” or the “Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation.” Personal condolences and favourite memories at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com