Teresa "Terry" P. Turco

Teresa “Terry” Turco, of San Jose, passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimers Disease on August 29, 2017, at the age of 84. Terry was kind, giving and loyal in every aspect of her life. Prior to her lengthy illness, she enjoyed life to its fullest. Terry was born on October 19, 1932 in Los Angeles, California. In 1943, she moved to San Jose with her mother and siblings while her father served in the US Armed Forces in Italy. After graduating from Notre Dame High School in San Jose, Terry entered the order of the Sisters of Notre Dame and taught in Catholic elementary schools in Salinas and Santa Clara. She later left the order and attended San Jose State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She continued teaching for a number of years in local schools and is remembered fondly by her students and fellow teachers. Terry was proud of her maternal heritage as a member of the Murphy family, one of the original families to settle in the Santa Clara Valley. She was well-versed in Murphy family history.In 1976 Terry married her beloved husband John Turco, a life time San Jose resident and business entrepreneur. A great match, they enjoyed more than 35 years of travel, friends and family. Terry was also an adoring and supportive aunt to 28 nieces and nephews. Terry was an avid golfer and a member of the San Jose Country Club. She also remained dedicated to her faith and was an active member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in San Jose. Terry is survived by her brother, Buck Polk (Linda). She is preceded in death by her husband John Turco, her parents, Ruth and Hilliard Polk, and her sisters, Mary Ruth Oestrich, Patricia Dodd, Virginia “Susie” Sullivan, and Constance Taft. Family and friends are invited to attend a Rosary at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, followed immediately by a Funeral Mass at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 200 O’Connor Dr., San Jose. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make contributions to Respite and Research for Alzheimers Disease at www.alzactivitycenter.org. 2380 Enborg Lane, San Jose.