Anthea M Turner

Anthea Merrihue Turner, 92, of Maitland, Florida died peacefully in her sleep on May 2, 2022 surrounded by many members of her family. Originally from Schenectady, NY, Anthea was a graduate of Skidmore College in Saratoga, NY where she received her BA in Art. She moved to Florida with her daughters, Holly and Wendy, in 1962. In 1967, she met and married Dr. Charles H. Turner, a prominent dentist and real estate developer, and quickly assimilated his three children, Karen, Elaine and Dent, into the family.

She started a career as a graphic designer for General Electric in Schenectady and supported theatrical productions as a set designer and performer. Anthea moved to Orlando to work as a graphic artist for Tupperware before starting her own interior design firm. She had an incredible eye for beauty which she applied to her personal life as well as a volunteer leading and promoting numerous fundraising galas for the benefit of the arts.

Anthea valued the visual and performing arts with a passion and volunteered throughout her life in various leadership roles. She served as the first President of the Orlando Museum of Art Council 101 and served on the board for decades with her creativity applied to the development of some of the museum’s major fundraising events. As a resident of Maitland, Anthea also lent her talents to help restore the city’s cultural jewel, the Maitland Art Center, located within half a mile from her home.

Anthea also served as Vice President of Events for the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, was a member of the Orchestra's Crescendo Society and a devoted fan of the Young Composers Challenge. In her community service with the philharmonic, she co-founded a popular and financially beneficial music appreciation class series, and the program received a national award from the League of American Orchestras.

Though she had a passion for the arts, there was nothing she loved more than summers at her family home on Lake George in upstate New York. Her father, Willard Merrihue, an executive with General Electric, bought the family home in 1951 while they lived in Schenectady, NY. Beginning in the 50's, Anthea and her father threw countless elaborate costume parties for their summer crowd and continued the tradition until the last Lake George family reunion in 2016 with four generations in attendance. She treasured her time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren each summer and shared the Lake George home generously with her family and friends. Each time on her arrival, neighbors would turn out in droves to rock in the rocking chairs, sip libations and visit for hours on the lakeside porch with the fun-loving Anthea.

Florida also became home to Anthea’s adored father upon his retirement with a move to Naples, Florida where he too became highly involved in the local community. He founded The Nature Conservancy on Merrihue Drive in Naples, later renamed The Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

At 92, Anthea’s mind was sharp as a tack and her love of life and her family was robust until the moment of her death.

Anthea was predeceased by her husband, Charles H. Turner in 2005 and her son Dent Turner in 2007. She is survived by her daughters Holly Martin and Wendy Schings, her stepdaughters Karen Turner Edwards and Elaine Turner Layman, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 6th at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park at 10:00 am. Donations in her memory may be made to the Healing Ministry at All Saints Episcopal Church, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida or the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.