Peggy C. Turnquist

Peggy C. (Cox) Turnquist, age 81, passed away peacefully in the Charlwell House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood, Massachusetts on Monday, September 2, 2019.  Born in Chocowinity, North Carolina on December 28, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Jarvis Jonah and Nellie May (Edwards) Cox.  She was raised in Chocowinity and graduated from Chocowinity High School with the Class of 1956.  Following her graduation, Peggy moved to the Washington DC area, where she lived with her older sister and helped care for her younger sisters.  Her older sister, Nancy, helped Peggy obtain a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working as a secretary.

While she was working at the FBI, Peggy met her husband to be, Nelson K. Turnquist, by chance one evening while she was out with her sister, Nancy.  After a little convincing, she agreed to go out with him and ten months later, Peggy and Nelson were married on October 3, 1959.  The young couple made their home together in Cranston, Rhode Island, welcoming their two oldest sons, Greg and Doug.  After her husband received a job transfer in the fall of 1966, Peggy moved her family to Detroit, Michigan, where she and Nelson welcomed their third son, Rodd.  In 1971, Peggy moved her family back east, settling in East Walpole, Massachusetts, where she became a dedicated member of the Union Congregational Church.  Two years later, in 1973, Peggy took on a part time position with the Church, working as the secretary.  She continued serving the church for 18 years, retiring in 1991. 

Peggy’s service to her Church did not end with her office work.  She regularly volunteered her time with the Union Congregational Church in East Walpole over the years, helping with rummage sales, the Church Fair, and was appointed Deacon Emeritus for all of her hard work. 

Summers were a special time for Peggy, as she and her husband loved taking their family to their summer home in Narragansett, Rhode Island.  Together Peggy and Nelson spent hours quahogging on Salt Pond.  Back at home, Peggy loved taking care of her gardens, flowers, and plants both inside and outside of her home.  In addition, as an avid card player, she always looked forward to her weekly meetings with the “Bridge Girls” whom she had played with for over 40 years.

Beloved wife of Nelson K. Turnquist.

Loving mother of Greg N. Turnquist and his spouse, Susan, of Hudson, Doug Turnquist and his spouse, Mark Hreha, of Salisbury, and Rodd F. Turnquist and his spouse, Beverly, of Tyngsboro.

Cherished grandmother of Evan M. Turnquist and his spouse, Vikki, of Leominster, William Y. Turnquist, and Stefan W. Turnquist both of Tyngsboro and great grandmother of Brann P., Emilia M., and Stella N. Turnquist.

Sister of Nancy Mulloy of Inman, West Virginia, Barbara Jean Prilliman of Roanoke, Virginia the late Maxie Cox, and the late Mary Frances Hite.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Peggy’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 from 4 to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Memorial Service will be held in the Union Congregational Church, 55 Rhoades Avenue, East Walpole on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be private at the request of Peggy’s family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Memorial Gift Fund, Union Congregational Church, 55 Rhoades Avenue, East Walpole, MA 02032.