GERALDINE (GERRY) TURNLEY

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• Gerry will always hold a special place in my heart her smiling face along with her heart of gold will always be in my heart. My condolences to the family and may you have peace in all the wonderful memories and goodness she spread in the world. God has gained another angel - Posted by: Joe Meissner (Family friend (from Regents Park United Church)) on: Jan 01, 2019

• When Colleen told me of her Mom's passing, it was like I had turned another sad page on my way to becoming an adult! And I'm 65! Mrs. Turnley, as I always called her, had effervescent maternal ways about her that kept you wanting to be a child forever - it was a joy to be on the perennial receiving end of all her caring ways, indulgences and the huge 200 watt smile that she never failed to bestow on you. I will miss her very much. Our mothers, with Colleen and me in tow to our first day in Kindergarten at Regent's Park United in 1958, met on Mager Drive, and it was there they had a magic wand waved over their heads - theirs was a friendship that was to last through the ages. Good friends to the end. In my childhood days, I can remember, especially, coming from school, for the cooked lunch Mrs. Turnley had prepared (macaroni & cheese) in the eating nook overlooking the gully in what I now realize was an Arts & Crafts home, on Kingston Row - beautiful and made cozy and welcoming by Mrs. T. Birthdays in the large living room. Marilyn's February Valentine themed party with all the baked specialties cause Mrs. Turnley was a wonderful cook and baker. Even when I married and moved far away, her home shone a beacon for me when I'd come home, and I'd pack up my Mom in the car and we'd go have an Orange Julius with Mr. and Mrs. Turnley in their sunny living room on St. Mary's Road. I know how much Michael, Colleen and Marilyn will miss their Mom. But, I hope they know that so many others also hold their mother's memory, and in such high esteem. - Posted by: Martha Ciccocioppo (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2018

• On a beautiful summer day in July my dear friend Gerry quietly said goodbye. I first met Gerry when Colleen and I were students, studying for our first diploma in nursing. She and George would take pity on us ward weary students and take us out to dinner in the big city. I remember trips to Pony Corral as a welcome break from the stress of exams. She and George were always interested in what we had to say and so happy when we succeeded. Through the years life happens, I moved away but we visited every time I came back home. She laughed when my mom told her that I had run away to join the army. It was the navy, and I was thrilled when she and George visited the Maritimes. We had a great time driving around the country side, visiting all the hot tourist spots as well as an old friend in Petite Riviere. Like Colleen, I travelled around the country and settled half way across the country, on the east coast. Even so, every time I came home she would beam proudly. She showed pictures of the growing family and kept me up to date with everyone’s progress and travels. My mom, Gerry and I would meet for coffee in various parts of the city. Children came and we would meet at the big noisy MacDonald’s with the attached playhouse. Then an accident at home landed her in the hospital. I remember the effort that it took her to try and stand and get into a chair so that we could go for a wheelie around the ward. Eventually she moved to St. Norbert for special care. It was a long way from downtown but she had heard that the food was good, so that was the place to go. Sometimes we would go for a wheel around the neighborhood. One trip we met an old friend that lived on the next street and spent a very pleasant afternoon drinking sweet lemonade and eating dainties. Through it all she always had a big smile and a warm hug to make me feel special. My last visit I landed in the city and headed for Gerry’s in the morning. I’m so glad that we had that last day. Soon after, surrounded by loving family, on a beautiful summer day in July, my dear friend quietly said goodbye. - Posted by: Susan Coneybeare (friend) on: Aug 20, 2018

• Colleen, Marilyn and Micheal - I feel really sad that your Mom has passed on even though I had no contact with her for many years! Jocelyn Burgess kept me up to date on the Kingston Row neighbors and I would hear little stories now and again. We loved having you all as neighbors and your Mom was like a bright light of cheerfullness! It was always wonderful to see her sitting out in the lawn chair enjoying the sun - seems like it was a much slower pace of life back then! May you find peace and joy in the memories you have of her Love Neighbor Barb - Posted by: Barb Rodger (Neighbor) on: Aug 01, 2018

• To the family of Gerry Turnley, My condolences to all of you at the death of your Mother. I was a friend of your Mom and Dad at Regents Park United Church and had great regard for both. For years your Mom was in charge of the "Babyfold" during Sunday worship time. She was so good to both of my children as babies and always interested in their lives as they grew older. I had the pleasure of visiting Gerry a couple of times in St. Norbert and will always remember her as a wonderful lady. Clare Simpson - Posted by: Clare Simpson (Friend from church) on: Jul 28, 2018

• I had the pleasure of cooking for Gerry while she visited my Gram for Grams birthday. Gerry would take my little Otis for a walk with her and just wear him out. I think she even had to carry him a couple times! Always smiling, always interested in what was happening in our lives. I am so blessed to have spent the time with her I did. If gram could be there, know she would. She was heartbroken to hear of Gerry's passing but knows she is no longer restricted to that wheelchair. Know we are keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts. Although we have miles between us all, know we love you all tremendously. - Posted by: Shelby Ferguson (Family) on: Jul 28, 2018

• So sorry for your loss Marilyn. - Posted by: Joanne Stimpson (Friend) on: Jul 28, 2018