Helen B. Turner

Helen Johanne Caroliene Turner, 82, of Raleigh, NC, passed away after a short battle with cancer. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, she was the daughter of George John H. Bohlen and Frieda Meyer Bohlen.

Helen graduated from Gilboa-Conesville Central Rural School in Gilboa, NY, in 1960 and earned a Licensed Practical Nurses degree from a Cooperative Program in Schenectady, NY, in 1962.

Helen's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to serving and caring for others. She began her nursing career in Schenectady, NY, working in various specialties, including Pediatric, Geriatric, Labor and Delivery, Coronary Care, and Progressive Care at St. Clare's Hospital and Bellevue Maternity Hospital from 1961-1970. She continued her passion for nursing as a Team Lead Nurse at Elm Manor Nursing Home in Canandaigua, NY, from 1978-1980, and at Brightonian Nursing Home in Brighton, NY, from 1980-1982. Helen also served as a Health Coordinator at Shiloh Service Center in Smithfield, NC, from 1982-1983, and as an Office Nurse for Dr. Thomas R. Bass in Clayton, NC, from 1986-1991.

In addition to her nursing career, Helen had a profound love for education, volunteering, and substitute teaching at Cooper Middle School in Clayton, NC, from 1983-1986. She later returned to her calling as a Special Education Teacher's Assistant in Scotland County Schools and Wake County Schools, touching the lives of many children and colleagues with her genuine love and willingness to take on any role needed in the classroom.

Helen's love story began on a blind date in Cooperstown, NY, in 1970, where she met her beloved husband, Neil B. Turner Jr. They married on September 18, 1970, in Syracuse, NY, and she immediately embraced motherhood to two children, ages 5 and 6. Helen is predeceased by her infant son, Timothy S. Turner, and her parents, George and Frieda.

She is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Neil, her children Thomas A. Turner, Anthony M. Turner and his spouse Kelley Turner, and Annette M. Sanders and her spouse Christopher B. Sanders, and her sister Elizabeth H. Hedman and her spouse Jon W. Hedman. Helen's legacy continues through her four grandchildren, Jessica A. Turner, Nicole M. Sanders, Gannon R. Turner, and Jillian B. Turner, and she also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 3525 Rogers Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, on Saturday, August 24th at 2:30 PM, followed by a gathering at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Hope Lutheran Church, honoring Helen's memory and her life of service.

Helen's life was a testament to her compassion, dedication, and the profound impact she had on those around her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.