CAROL LEWIS TURNER
Norwich – Loving mother and dedicated wife, Carol passed away peacefully in the company of her children on July 11, 2014. She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, John B. Turner Jr.
Carol was born June 3, 1933 to Marie D. Lewis and Stuart C. Lewis in Buffalo, NY. She was Salutatorian of her class at Spencerport High School, and attended the University of Rochester on an academic scholarship.
A dedicated volunteer, Carol gave countless hours of service in her beloved adopted home of Norwich, NY. She was an advisor for the YMCA's Hi-Y Clubs, President of the Norwich Club Women's Association, active in the Garden Club and local and state Republican party, a Brownie Troop Leader, and Chairman of the local Girl Scouts of America Council. She volunteered for 12 years at Chenango Memorial Hospital, and was best known for her public education work with the American Cancer Society at the local and state levels.
Even after the family moved to Penfield, NY in 1969, Carol’s heart remained in Norwich and at the family cottage at Chenango Lake. She and John cared deeply about the community, and were committed to enhancing and preserving its many resources. Thoughts of opening the cottage, sitting on the porch, and overlooking the Lake with friends and family warmed many a cold winter.
In Penfield, Carol was co-owner and bookkeeper of the family business, Cricket on the Hearth Inc. She became highly active in the local schools, was an ardent supporter of her children's soccer, field hockey and swimming teams, and was a fierce tennis and paddle tennis player. An avid reader, particularly of historic American fiction, she was highly patriotic, and was especially dedicated to Highland Hospital, where she volunteered for the past 30 years.
Surviving are her daughters Anne Turner (Harry Bohrs) of Brookline, MA, and Jennifer Deuel (Jeff) of Pittsford, and sons Joshua Turner (Cheryl) of Skillman, NJ, and Charles Turner (Marcia) of Pittsford. Beloved grandchildren are Katharine and Nathaniel Bohrs, Benjamin and Megan Deuel, Bennett and Chandler Turner, and Grant and Amanda Turner. She is also survived by her brother S. Charles Lewis of Irondequoit, Kathie Fuez of Colden, and several in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday July 26th at the United Church of Christ in Norwich, followed by a reception at the family’s cottage at Chenango Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring her memory can be made to the Norwich YMCA or the Greater Norwich Foundation c/o NBT Bank, Norwich.