News Summary
Mary Elizabeth Turner, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Mission Viejo after a battle with non-small cell lung cancer. Surrounded by her family, she was a beacon of kindness and generosity, touching the lives of many throughout her life. Born in Pennsylvania, Mary moved to Los Angeles for new opportunities and made a significant impact in her career at MSC. She leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of compassion, with memorial contributions suggested to local charities.
Mission Viejo – Mary Elizabeth Turner, aged 79, has passed away peacefully at her home in Mission Viejo after a prolonged battle with non-small cell lung cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family during her final moments and was in Hoag Hospice care during the last week of her life.
Throughout her life, Mary was known for her kindness, gentle demeanor, and strong principles. She had an innate ability to accept others without judgment, and her friends and family describe her as humble yet tough-minded. Mary held a strong belief in punctuality and commitment, always meeting her obligations and expecting the same from those around her. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor, making her presence enjoyable in any setting. Her generosity was evident as she never forgot her humble beginnings and always lent a hand to those in need. In addition to her human connections, Mary had a special fondness for animals, especially cats, dogs, and owls.
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Mary spent her childhood being raised by her grandparents on a farm in Leeper, Pennsylvania. In 1956, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles with her brother Jimmy seeking new opportunities. Before she turned 35, while working on an assembly line at Mattel in Los Angeles, she met her future husband, Kempton Snider. They raised three children together from infancy until their children reached their late teens before eventually divorcing.
Mary began her career at a small aerospace company, MSC, in Costa Mesa in 1979, where she worked as an assembler. Over her 26-year tenure, she advanced through the ranks to various positions including planner, buyer, and production supervisor. Following MSC’s acquisition by Eaton Corporation in 1984, she contributed significantly to production lines servicing aircraft cockpits in both the USA and Europe. During her time at MSC, she met her second husband, Charlie Turner, who worked in the engineering, sales, and marketing departments.
Mary and Charlie married in England in 1992 while he was on a European assignment. Together, they formed an auto racing team in 1998, where Charlie drove and Mary served as the crew chief. Over 23 years, the couple participated in 380 races, achieving an impressive record of 38 wins and eight championships. While they initially raced part-time while at Eaton, they transitioned to full-time racing after retiring from their corporate careers. Mary fondly recalled their racing days as some of the best times in her life.
Mary Elizabeth Turner leaves behind her husband, Charles Innes Turner; daughters Annetta Bettis and Karen Peterson; son-in-law Bobby Beyer; and her beloved grandchildren, including Bobby and Lori Beyer, Tony and Babbette Sotelo, Tony and Cassie DeBower, and Taylor and Marissa Smith. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Ryder, Reese, Rosalyn, Baylor, Brynlee, and Dean.
In remembrance of Mary, memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Los Angeles Mission, Hoag Hospital Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice. Her legacy will be cherished by all who knew her, and her spirit will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Mary Turner Obituary
- Wikipedia: Lung Cancer
- Legacy: Polly Turner Obituary
- Google Search: Hoag Hospital Foundation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
