Anne Mary Turner, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 98, on August 31,2026, at her residence, Discovery Village in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Born on September 13, 1927, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Salvatore and Grazia DeLuca, Anne lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to those around her.
Anne began her career at Abbott Laboratories in the mid 1940s, where she served as a manufacturing line supervisor. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dean Clayton Turner. The two were married for fifty wonderful years before Dean's passing in the year 2000. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and service to others.
A woman of boundless energy and civic spirit, Anne was a founding member and officer of the Italian American Club of Waukegan, Illinois, where she worked to preserve and celebrate her proud heritage. She also served as president of the Parent Teacher Association at West School in Waukegan, championing the education of the community's children. In 1970, Anne earned her certificate as a preschool teacher with the Waukegan Park District and taught until 1982. She always considered teaching young children one of the most rewarding experiences of her life, second only to being a wife and mother.
Anne was full of life and deeply compassionate. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends in need. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting and creating handmade treasures for those she loved. She also loved garage sales and collecting antiques.
Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dean Clayton Turner; her parents, Salvatore and Grazia DeLuca; her sisters, Antonina DeLuca, Mary DeLuca Colmone, and Jennie DeLuca Penich; and her brothers, Joseph and Frank DeLuca.
She is survived by her son, Dean C. Turner (Terry); her daughters, Jane Drayton (Kim) and Grace Turner (Charlotte Presensky); her grandchildren, Tara Gilbert (Phil), Dean C. Turner Jr. (Maggie) and Colin Drayton; her great-grandchildren, Lilly Gilbert, Lauren Gilbert and Harper Gilbert.
Anne's deep and abiding Christian faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. She now rests in the eternal peace of her Lord and Savior, reunited with those she loved.
A brief visitation will be held on Monday, September 14th from 9:30 AM until time of funeral mass at 10:30 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital are appreciated. Words cannot express the family’s gratitude to the staff at Discovery Village and Trustbridge Hospice care for all their help.
