Marie Rita Turchi

Marie Rita Turchi, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home on May 15, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Beloved wife of Frank for 66 years, cherished mother to Donna Marie and Debra, precious sister to Charlie, adored grandmother to Jessie Marie, Andie, and Alex, and treasured great-grandmother to Avery Marie, Hunter, Avalynn Marie, and Hope, Marie will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Born on December 10, 1939, Marie was the beloved daughter of the late Carl Spreter and Helen Wagner. She was preceded in death by her sister, Theresa, and her brother, Eddie. Marie was cared for in her early years by St. Vincent’s Orphanage and St. Margaret’s Business School for Girls in Philadelphia. She graduated from St. Anne’s Commercial School in 1956 at the top of her class. Soon after she met the love of her life and she and Frank were married in on April 5, 1959 at St. Helena Church in Philadelphia. Marie was a vibrant, kind, and caring person who brought joy to everyone she met. A devoted Catholic, loving wife, and mother, she fulfilled her dream of traveling to all of the countries in Europe, in addition to Greece and Morocco, with her favorite sailor, Frank, thanks to the U.S. Navy. Frank is a retired Navy Master Chief but he considered Marie to be the Admiral who took care of everything on the home front while Frank was at sea. In addition to raising two daughters living both home and abroad, Marie was an active volunteer with the Red Cross at Pensacola Naval Hospital and as a Homefront Volunteer at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Marie worked for Bell Telephone, Sears and for the Pensacola Sheriff's Office among several other positions until she retired in 1986, when Frank retired from the Navy. Throughout her life, as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, volunteer, and friend, Marie spent countless hours in loving service to others. Marie was considered a beloved Pensacola Navy mom to many as she often opened her home to young sailors and their families stationed in the area, offering them the comfort of home with warm, home-cooked meals, a kind hug, fresh laundry, and anything else they might need to feel cared for and appreciated. A Catholic Mass and Memorial Service will be held on July 1, 2025, at the home she and Frank shared, where she spent many happy years surrounded by family. She will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida, honoring her legacy and the life she lived. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities, an organization Marie held dear. Marie’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, grace, and the love she so generously shared. "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23

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Marie Rita Turchi

December 10, 1939 - May 15, 2025