Judith Elaine (Bourassa) Turner, 83, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, July 11, 2021. Judy was born in Westfield, MA on July 2, 1938 to Armand and Dorothy (McCloud) Bourassa. During her early years she was raised in Brattleboro, VT and attended St. Michael’s Catholic School. The family moved to Shelburne Falls, MA when Judy was 14 years old. She attended Arms Academy and enjoyed being a Twirler, a singer in the Chorus, and a member of her senior play. Judy graduated from Arms Academy with the Class of 1956.
Judy enlisted in the United States Navy after high school, and was stationed at NTC San Diego, CA, where she was trained as a dental technician. After returning from the service, she worked as a dental technician for Dr. McCaully, DDS in Greenfield, MA. Many years later, Judy changed careers and worked for Greenfield Savings Bank as a teller, both in Shelburne Falls and Greenfield. She also earned her real estate license and became an agent for Massamont Realty serving the West County and Greenfield area.
Judy was an avid gardener, enjoyed antique restoration, decorating her home and with her flair for design, loved helping others. She was finally able to fulfill her lifelong passion for antiques and decorating by entering into a joint venture with a close friend and opening Apple Blossoms Antiques in Shelburne Falls. This business flourished for many years. She enjoyed getting involved in the local community and became an active member of the Shelburne Falls business association.
In her later years, Judy lived at Highland Village in Shelburne Falls and continued her love for gardening. She always enjoyed helping others and was known for her kindness and fun loving nature. She was her happiest spending time with her family and friends, enjoying movies, reading, and traveling. She visited her family abroad in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Germany.
Her loving family includes her children; Daris Lyn Emerson of Greenfield, Jennifer Turner Martin of Manhattan, KS, and Daniel Turner of Kissimmee FL and her siblings; a brother Frederick Bourassa of Greenfield, a sister Patricia Wissman of Derby, VT, and was predeceased by her sister Anne Arel of Whately.
Judy is also survived her longtime loving companion Robert Barber of Greenfield, six grandchildren Joshua Emerson, Candice Sheldon, Stephen Emerson, Sara Turner, Laura Kinyon, and Baily Martin, several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, July 20 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 34 Monroe Ave., Shelburne Falls. Burial will follow in West Branch Cemetery in Colrain.
A visiting hour will take place Tuesday prior to the Mass from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 329 Conway Street, Ste. 2 Greenfield, MA 01301
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