Greenfield

Marjorie M. (Turner) Turton, 93, of Greenfield died peacefully Thursday January 11, 2018 at the Buckley Health Care Center in Greenfield.  She was born July 27, 1924 in Pittsfield, MA, the daughter of Guy and Edna (Bickford) Turner. 

Marjorie was a graduate of Greenfield High School and a resident of Greenfield for most of her life. She was a life-long member of the First Congregational Church in Greenfield  and served in a number of volunteer roles at the Church, including several years as collector as well as in the Church’s Women’s Fellowship. Marjorie volunteered for the Board of Organized Work and for the MSPCC Thrift Shop including two years as the chapter president.

Marjorie was principally a homemaker and worked part time in the Registrar’s Office at the Greenfield Town Hall helping to compile the annual street lists and to register new voters.

Marjorie was predeceased by her beloved husband, John W. Turton on May 25, 2013. Marjorie met John through her English pen pal, who was John’s sister. John, a pilot in the Royal Air Force during WWII, hitchhiked 1,700 miles to Greenfield to visit Marjorie while he was on a break from flight training in Canada.  They married after the war in 1947, and settled to raise their family in Greenfield.

Marjorie and John were frequently seen ballroom dancing throughout Franklin County and as far away as Cape Cod and New Hampshire. Their impromptu dancing performances inspired and entertained many friends, family members, and even total strangers.

Marjorie played tennis regularly and dabbled in painting, taking classes with her mother. She also enjoyed many happy hours swimming in and entertaining around her backyard pool.

Among her survivors, Marjorie leaves a son, Roger W. Turton and his wife Kaichan "K.C." Chan of Greenfield; a daughter, Marsha G. Burniske and her husband Edward W. Jr. of Pittsfield. She is also remembered fondly by three grandchildren and their spouses, Gail and Victor Sanchez of Quincy; Brian Burniske of Pittsfield; and Darin and Emily Burniske of Southwick; great-grandchildren James and Noah Burniske, and Lelaina and Mauricio Sanchez; as well as several nieces and nephews by marriage, in the UK.

The family wishes to express its profound thanks to all of the staff at Buckley Health Care Center for the loving care and support they provided throughout Marjorie’s final years.

A calling hour will be held Saturday January 20 beginning at 10:30 am followed by funeral services at 11:30 am at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.  Burial will be held at Center Cemetery in Bernardston in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to those organizations and charities, which Marjorie supported throughout her life.

Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

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