Katherine Turner

Katherine Meade Turner, 55, passed away on May, 2, 2013 after fighting ovarian cancer for two years. She was born on July 7, 1957, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Pierre and Mary Meade Ullman. She graduated from UW-Madison with a BS in mining engineering in 1979. She became a highly valued specialist in deepwater drilling and has worked for major oil companies, service companies, drilling contractors, and independents. Kate was one of the first female drilling engineers in the industry. She was an entrepreneur, starting her own consulting firm as well as a licensed Professional Engineer.

Katherine is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Dwight J. Turner; Children, Mary Vivaldo, Camille LaFoy, Patrick Turner, Jessica Quentin, Ramone Quentin and Kevin Quentin; grandchildren, Ethan and Enia Vivaldo, Robert Turner, Hayden and Addison LaFoy; parents, Pierre and Mary Mead Ullman; sister, Susan Johnson; and many other loving family members and friends.

Kate was first and foremost a loving, proud mother and grandmother. She was a ground breaker in her professional and familial life. Her contribution to social work included fostering and adopting two of her six children. Kate was also very passionate about her involvement with the church. She has been a faithful member of St. Peter’s United Methodist church since 1994 and has also served on the finance committee. Her strength, bravery, and resilience provided inspiration all around her. No one can forget Katherine whose beauty and generosity has changed many lives for the better. She will be dearly missed by her associates in industry, church family, friends, and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to St. Peters United Methodist Church Katy Magnify and Multiply Campaign in remembrance of Kate.