Catherine Binkley Turner

Cathy was born to Ben and Rose Ella Beasley, the middle child of three daughters. She grew up in Santa Ana, CA and graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1944, where she met the love of her life, William J. Turner.

Due to WWII, Bill and Cathy married shortly after graduation and she joined the ranks of many young wives waiting at home for their husbands to return from the battlefield. During Bill's brief time stateside before heading to the Korean War, he attended Orange Coast College where Cathy and Bill were one of the first married couples to live in the new student housing. Their son Michael was the very first baby to be born on that campus. The young couple bought their home in Costa Mesa in 1955 and lived there the rest of their lives. They had three more children Mark, Kim and Scott.

Cathy's proudest accomplishment and an unending source of joy was her family. She dedicated herself to raising the kids with a firm but loving hand. She made sure everyone's homework was done, that they got to football and cheerleading practice, and she kept the peace at home. She was everyone's "mom", and the friends of her children found a 2nd home in the Turner house. Cathy was the most talented seamstress and made most of her own clothes, as well as clothes for the whole family. Her Hawaiian shirts and Christmas stockings were her signature pieces. In later years, Cathy became an amazing grandma to her four grandchildren. She never missed a birthday, special event or sport's game.

Cathy was more than "just" a wife and homemaker. Cathy was never "just" anything. She was charming, witty, a class act with great style and a fun sense of humor. Cathy took great pride in looking her best. Even at home, she always turned out in a crisp shirt, pressed slacks and a pair of Keds so white they were practically blinding. You never saw her without her nails painted, her hair done or without her jewelry. She loved observing the neighborhood goings-on through the kitchen window, listening to music, reading mystery books and especially watching football.

She and Bill were fortunate to be able to travel the world, visiting many countries, but her favorite place was Hawaii. She loved Hawaiian food and culture and believed that Maui was actually heaven in disguise. Her 3 grandsons even called her TuTu (grandmother in Hawaiian).

The past 18 months were difficult for Cathy, as she lost her husband, Bill, in June 2019, and her oldest son, Mike, in August 2020. She kept her spirits up even during the isolation. She was not comfortable going out because of Covid, but she made an exception for her weekly hair appointment. This was not to be missed, regardless of any pandemic! Cathy is survived by her son Mark Turner (Sue), Kimberlee Hart (Brion), Scott Turner (Peggy) and son in law, Jay Felzien. Her four grandchildren, Rachel, Kyle, Cory and Jake were incredibly lucky to have the best TuTu ever. Cathy's family is grateful to her thoughtful neighbors who always looked out for her and made sure she never felt alone.

With a glass of wine, and Bill by her side, we know she is enjoying the sunset on a beach in Maui (she did think it was heaven, after all).