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MARY DIANNE TURNER (KEITH)
Date of Passing: Nov 24, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
MARY DIANNE TURNER
(nee KEITH)
Unique of character and feisty fortitude Mary D. was a principled, creative, charming and headstrong woman who excelled in the art of social interactivity and inclusion thus gifting her with an enormous wealth of friends who treasured both her wit and style. Her ability to make everyone feel welcome and special in her home and in her life through a generosity of humour and empathy was undeniably a seldom equalled grace enjoyed by many.
Born and raised in River Heights she met a handsome young architecture student John R.D. Turner whilst completing her BA at the University of Manitoba. She loved and married John and together they created a family and settled down in Fort Richmond with their two boys.
Upon the untimely loss of John to cancer in 1990, Mary D. rallied herself and found a new life on Roslyn Crescent in Osborne Village where her immutable social skills fit perfectly into that diverse and quirky neighbourhood.
Occasional health issues eventually required Mary D. to move into a variety of residences which offered the assistance she needed to remain safe and healthy. Over a span of the last 10 years she sometimes faced challenges which appeared daunting yet continually managed to rebound with her unyielding strength of character and stubborn resilience.
Mary D. was predeceased by her husband John Robert Davenall Turner, and her eldest son Keith Davenall Turner and is survived by her second son John (Sandy) Alexander Turner. Also mourning her loss is her sister Brenda St. Clair, her four sons and their families, and a wonderful collection of family from the Turner branch of the tree. Additionally, a vast and diverse assortment of good friends who undoubtedly each treasure their own memories.
Heartfelt thanks are given to everyone who have reached out with their condolences and positive thoughts. Particular gratitude is offered to all the caregivers that assisted Mary D. over the last number of years and in particular to the professional and respectful staff at the Simkin Centre facility. Also, to Natalie who made sure that Mary D. was able to get out for day trips and had companionship while at home.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family would ask that everyone stay safe and follow the directives until the Covid crisis has passed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2020
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Mary D was a wonderful friend. Fresh from Ireland she took it upon herself to introduce my husband Dennis and I to all her many friends. Our boys used to play with Keith and Sandy. Her generosity will always be remembered by our family. Condolences to Sandy, Brenda and other relatives. - Posted by: Norma Harrs (Friend) on: Dec 04, 2020
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Many wonderful memories of Mary D. She was generous, smart and cared about broader issues. You could have very interesting conversations from everything from politics to the latest fashion. She was a talented musician. She adored her boys. John designed our house, the last project I think he did. So sad he died too young and I think for Mary D she never recovered. May she Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Mary Scott (Friend) on: Dec 02, 2020
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I have such fond memories of Mary D from the countless days, nights, weekends and vacations that our families spent together. Keith and Sandy were great close friends and Mary D and John were always so generous and entertaining. I cherish the memories of ski trips, New Years parties, or days just having fun in the pool. Mary D holds a special place in my heart and will be missed. - Posted by: John Smyth (Friend) on: Nov 29, 2020
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I was saddened to read about Mary D's passing. She was a good friend, starting with college days when I came to Winnipeg from England. She was my car-pool driver, helping me to adjust to life in Canada. She was kind and caring when my husband passed away suddenly in 1967. Our long walks and talks were a comfort to me. My condolences to her family and many good friends. Ruth Vogt-Emerick (nee Blair) - Posted by: Ruth Vogt-Emerick (friend) on: Nov 29, 2020
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My condolences on the loss of this amazing woman. While attending university, I worked for the indominable Mrs. T as a housecleaner. I will never forget her enthusiastic approach to life and her obvious depth of love for her family and friends. - Posted by: Rhonda Nemeth (employee/neighbor) on: Nov 29, 2020
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Brenda, Sandy and families I was very sad to learn of Mary D's passing. I have fond memories of the great times we had as kids spending our summers at Winnipeg Beach. As you know the Keiths were my 'second family'- Irving, Gladys, Mary D and Brenda. Mary D rallied the younger kids into participating into ad hoc plays and of course the annual August 4th birthday celebrations. The discussions were always animated and lively among the adults, a fact picked up and enlarged upon with Mary D in her later life. Interest in politics continued to be a life long passion of hers. Whatever the subject, Mary D had strong views, but always with a sense of fun and a zest for life. She was generous with her time and invited Karen and I to her homes on Niagara, Fort Richmond and later on our subsequent visits back to Winnipeg to her home on Roslyn Cres. It was very special for us to enjoy her conversations and hospitality. Karen and I both remember her with great fondness. Our sincere condolences. Bill and Karen Hurst - Posted by: Bill Hurst (Lifelong Friend) on: Nov 29, 2020
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