On the morning of July 24, 1979, at 9am, God made our world a little brighter at the birth of Andrea Nicole Turgeon. Andrea was the youngest daughter of Karen and Michael Turgeon, and her older sisters, Leslie and Brenda were excited to have a little sister to love (and boss around!). Andrea became a child of God through Baptism on August 12, 1979-- dear godchild to Jean MacKenzie and Brenda Metzger.
As she grew, Andrea followed the examples of her sisters and tried to join in on whatever they did. Andrea especially enjoyed participating with them in Southgate Community Players Kids’ Theater, where she was the youngest Indian in the musical Peter Pan at the tender age of 4.
Andrea attended preschool at Our Redeemer Lutheran with her mom as her teacher and then moved on to Emmanuel Lutheran School, where she again found herself in mom’s class in 3rd grade. She was an excellent student and an active participant in activities at Emmanuel, including volleyball, softball, choir, and cheerleading, and she continued to maintain good grades (maybe an occasional B, following the advice of uncle Mark, to be careful not to set the bar too high with all A’s.) Andrea was confirmed in Christ at Emmanuel on April 4, 1993. From there it was on to Lutheran High School Westland. In high school she continued to maintain good grades, support the school sports teams, and sing in the concert choir. She was admitted to National Honor Society and graduated with honors in 1997.
Following her graduation, Andrea worked at various jobs, including being a manager at both Subway and Starbucks, a housekeeper and a nanny, which she especially enjoyed. She also took college classes during these years and attained an associate degree. Sometimes her lifetime struggles with her asthma and allergies created obstacles, but she carried on, as her health allowed. Most recently she was serving Prince of Peace Lutheran Church as custodian. This was a great job for her because of her need to always have things organized. Because of her health issues, Andrea became interested in healthful cooking and nutrition. She hoped to someday achieve a degree as a dietician or nutritionist, but God had other plans for her. The Coronavirus, along with pneumonia, settled in her lungs and sapped her strength. For two weeks the hospital staff gave her their best care and Aunt Toni kept us well informed about medical conditions and gave us all tremendous emotional support; but on the morning of April 27, God knew it was time to bring her soul into His loving arms to enjoy eternal life forever.
Andrea’s earthly remains will be cremated and buried at Glen Eden between her maternal grandparents, Herman and Mildred Schmittling. We will remember her quirky sense of humor, extensive cheerful collection of socks, purses, and flip-flops, silly nicknames, and her love of tulips and butterflies. Her family will treasure the time spent at the Turgeon and Schmittling homes playing games and celebrating special events. We regret that her niece Norah will no longer sing happy birthday or blow out candles with Andrea but we know that birthdays in heaven are even more joyful. Rest in peace, sweet child of God. You are loved.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18