Carol Nichols Turoff

An artist at heart, whose first job was as assistant Art Director at then-KTAR Channel 12, Carol veered into the political arena. The first Republican in her family, she was a conservative before she ever heard the word. Carol was an elected precinct and state committeeman since her early 20’s. Her career path eventually took her to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and the AZ Department of Administration working as Legislative Liaison and Public Information Officer. Appointed by two governors, Carol served consecutive terms on the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, a position that required senate confirmation. In over nine years of service, she participated in the vetting and interview process that put 19 judges on the Arizona Courts of Appeals and changed the entire Supreme Court, as vacancies occurred. As an Appellate Commissioner she was instrumental in vetting and selecting the original members of both the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission and the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.

At the Sheriff’s Office, she also responded to every homicide that occurred in the nation’s fifth largest county, providing information to news media.

The eldest child of Irving and Irene Lipsky Kaslow, she was born Oct. 12, 1942 in the Bronx, New York, but took her first steps in Phoenix, which was good enough for her to consider herself a native of the state she loved. Her parent’s red brick home, built in 1949, was in a new subdivision that had been a grapefruit orchard, in the unincorporated county, a half mile south of what is now the bustling business hub of 24th Street and Camelback.

While attending Phoenix College she met Richard Nichols. They married and had two sons, Craig and David. They remained friends even after both remarried.

Carol and Larry Turoff, married in 1988, delighted in one another. They lovingly doted on their treasured grandchildren, Zachary, Connor, Katherine, Anna, Tairyn and Alexander.

Gracious hosts, they enjoyed having friends gather around their dining table for good food, wine and spirited conversation. They traveled the United States, Canada and numerous European countries, visiting art museums, castles and savoring local cultures. Carol and Larry, a renown prosecutor, were inseparable, eventually adapting their routines to Larry’s health challenges, always grateful for each day they shared. Carol never recovered from his loss February 7, 2018.

She was known for attention to detail, whether in her work, entertaining, decorating, or her own sense of style. Although a gourmet cook, her Thanksgiving feasts, complete with homemade pies, and traditional Passover Seders, were anticipated for the familiar favorites she prepared. Most of all, she would want to be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Carol is predeceased by husband, Larry Turoff and granddaughter, Katherine Nichols. She is survived by sons Craig Nichols (Jeanette), David Nichols (Alyssa), grandchildren Zachary, Connor, Anna, Tairyn and Alexander and ex-husband, Richard.

Carol will be interred alongside her husband, Larry. As per her request, memorial services will be private.