Marion Turner

She was born June 17, 1931 to parents Herbert F. Schoene and Mildred L. (nee Kessler) Schoene.

Marion earned a BA at University of Illinois graduating in 1953. In addition to her studies, she enjoyed the company and enduring friendships of her Theta Upsilon sorority.

After having positions in business, Marion accepted the position of Church Secretary at Unity of Oak Park where she served from 1970 to 2015. Yes, 45 years. She was indispensable in producing and disseminating the weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, the annual reports, and keeping accurate records of the members. If you wanted to know what was going on at Unity of Oak Park and you asked Marion, with eyes bright and a rather conspiratorial smile, she would say, "Oooo. I can't tell you that."

She and her husband, John, travelled frequently taking road trips and cruises. Her favorite vacation spot was The Greenbriar in West Virginia. When road trips became difficult for her and John, they travelled to The Greenbriar via AmTrack where "Everything is done for you. It's wonderful." In all her travel, her favorite historic spots were Williamsburg, VA and Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington.

Marion's roots in Oak Park run deep. Her father, Herbert F. Schoene, a popular insurance agent, property manager, and property salesman, was active in Oak Park's Southern District Association. In 1915, her grandfather, Charles, H. Kessler opened and operated the Elmwood Theater at 431 W. Harrison St. which provided a popular Oak Park social gathering and entertainment site. Marion spoke fondly of childhood trips to the Kessler's Lake Geneva summer home and of working with Grandma Louise Kessler on their wartime victory garden. Her paternal grandparents were Herman and Emma (nee Besserdig) Schoene.

Marion is preceded on her eternal journey by her husband, John C. Turner, Sr. and her only son, John C. "Jack" Turner, Jr.

An only child, she is lovingly remembered by her many Turner nieces and nephews: John (Nancie) Turner, Newark, DE; Stephen Turner, Atlanta, GA; James "Jim" Turner, St. Simons Island, GA; Richard (Lisa) Turner , Miramar Beach, FL; Terri (Glen) Mikowski, St. Simons Island, GA; Cathy (Joe) Wright, Louisville, KY; James "Jim" (Chitra) Morris, Sherman Oaks, CA, and Carol (Jeff) Donohoo, Georgetown, OH.

The celebration of the life and person of Marion L.Turner will be held Sunday, January 21 at 1:30 pm at Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave, Oak Park, IL. There is on street parking only and it is a fairly congested area. Please allow time to park.