Helen Theresa Turner

Cranston, RI - Helen T. Barden Turner, 88, of Cra Mar Nursing Home Cranston, formerly of Shangri La Lane, Middletown, RI, died Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at Kent County Memorial Hospital Warwick, RI.She was the wife of the late Tellis R. Turner. Born in Corona Long Island, NY on September 30, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Eugene T. and Catherine McGrath Barden. Mrs. Turner had worked with James L. Maher Sr. and other parents in the founding of the local chapter for retarded citizens. She was one of the leaders in getting educational opportunites for retarded citizens in Newport County and was mentioned in an article in the R.I. History Book in 1981 by Barbara Bair called ?The Days of Darkness/Days of Hope- Care of Mentally Disabled People?. Mrs. Turner was a very active volunteer and member of the Newport County Chapter Rhode Island Association for retarded citizens. She also volunteered at the Middletown Public Library in the childrens section. She is survived by her son Michael Turner of Hope, RI, three grandchildren Christopher M. Turner of North Providence, RI, Ryan R.D. Turner of Hope, RI, and Allison K. Ascher of Valley Cottage, NY, her great granddaughter Maya Emily Ascher of Valley Cottage, NY, and her sister Mary B. King of Southberry, CT.She was the mother of the late Robert L. Turner and the sister of the late James Barden and Robert Barden. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2004, at 8:00AM from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00 AM in St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in her memory may be made to James L. Maher Center, PO Box 4390, Middletown, RI 02842.