Judith Ann Turley

It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Judith Ann Turley, a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Judy passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2023 in Watsonville, CA, surrounded by her family.

Born on January 25, 1941 in Watsonville, CA, and living her entire life there, Judy was a graduate of Watsonville High School's class of 1958. She enjoyed working at Foster Freeze and JC Penney, but Judy's professional talents sparkled when she was employed by the Food Services division of Pajaro Valley Unified School District. She soon became the Cafeteria Manager of Calabasas Elementary School, where she retired from the district after 25 years of service.

Caring deeply for the children she served, Judy took pride in having her staff prepare meals that children enjoyed. Her cafeteria menus contained the kind of meals she'd want for her own children, and no child ever went hungry under her watch! Judy's love for her students went beyond the cafeteria kitchen, as she quietly took note of students in need. Throughout her career, she bought clothes, shoes, warm coats, etc. for Calabasas school children.

Being a very talented seamstress, and a gifted designer and decorator, Judy loved to create and sew outfits for her three daughters. As they grew to be adults, Judy took to sewing home decor items for them, i.e. curtains, window trimmings, pillows, throws, etc. And as you can imagine, she was always busy redecorating the interior of her own home, using the latest ideas from current design magazines. But it was holidays that provided pure delight for Judy. She treasured the Christmas season, annually making her home a magical winter wonderland for family and friends. And yes . . . Judy believed in Santa Claus, and so do her daughters!

Judy's greatest pride and joy in life were her three daughters, and her grandchildren. She was a gentle, loving mother who encouraged her daughters to follow their dreams. She was their biggest cheerleader as they worked to establish successful lives. Her daughters knew Mom loved them and believed in their personal aspirations.

Anyone who knew Judy witnessed her kindness, generosity and acceptance of others. She embraced people for who they were, prepared a meal if they were hungry, and gave shelter if they needed a warm place to rest. We will miss you Judy, our beautiful angel of God who was called home to heaven!

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore Navarre and Henrietta Rushlow; step-father Don Rushlow; husband Don Turley; in-laws Claude and Delora Turley; life partner Jim Brazil; siblings Robert Navarre and Debbie Rushlow. She is survived by her daughters Kim Turley (Kim Belliveau), Deanie Turley and Tami Turley; step-children Jimmy and Kristen Brazil; grandchildren Nicholas Turley-Willoughby, Dylan Turley-Willoughby (Jess Tidwell) and Haley Turley-Willoughby Heinrichs (Nathan Heinrichs), Vinny Rushlow (Adriana Salazar); great granddaughters Isabella Turley-Willoughby and Olivia Heinrichs; in-laws Brenda Surry (Jack), Loyal Turley (Susie) and Peggy Brown (Jim). The Turley family is indebted to, and grateful for, the loving medical care and kindness of Jeffrey Mace, M.D. and his attentive staff.

A remembrance service to celebrate the life of Judy Turley will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Corralitos Woman's Club, 33 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos CA.

Published in The Pajaronian · May 12, 2023