Irma Aboy Turner

May 24, 2017

Irma Aboy Turner, 99, died peacefully in her sleep on May 24, 2017, at Southminster Retirement Community where she was a resident. She was born on December 29, 1917, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the youngest of five children of Ramon and Carmen Ferrer Aboy. Her mother’s family was distinguished in the arts and her father was at one time treasurer of Puerto Rico. Her paternal grandfather was the founder and first president of the Sugar Producers Association of Puerto Rico.

Irma attended George Washington University, and continued her studies in early childhood education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later at the University of Delaware. She met her husband, Elbert Daymond Turner, Jr., while he was stationed in the Caribbean during World War II as an officer with the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps and she was a volunteer in the censorship office. They were married on August 2, 1945, and began life together in post-war Chapel Hill. In 1949, they moved to Newark, Delaware for an appointment to the University of Delaware, and then in 1966 came to Charlotte, where Daymond, after chairing the foreign language department, became the first Director of Graduate Studies at UNCC. Irma was a vibrant asset to his career as a professor of Spanish and Spanish literature, and made many friends wherever they lived. A highlight for them both was a private audience with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, while Daymond was on a research fellowship to Madrid and Seville in 1981.

Irma loved people, was a devoted mother and proud of her family, befriended the lonely, entertained often, organized and was active in numerous bridge clubs, volunteered in the community, and for over twenty years taught Spanish to preschoolers. In her later years, she developed her innate artistic talent, and working primarily in oil pastels, watercolors and watercolor pencils, was known for colorful pictures of butterflies, birds and flowers.

Irma was predeceased by her parents, her two sisters and two brothers, by her husband Daymond, who died on January 16, 1988, and by her daughter-in-law Robin Foss Turner. She is survived by five children, Elbert Daymond Turner, III, Carmen Lipe (Mrs. Joseph A.) of Charlotte, Ana Maria Lomperis (Mrs. Timothy J.) of Maryville, TN, Victoria Powers of Raleigh, and Rosa Boschen (Mrs. John F.) of Williamsburg, VA; by twelve grandchildren who loved her dearly, Katharine Lipe, John Lipe, Mary Lipe Taylor (Mrs. Damon H.), Kristina Lomperis Cain (Mrs. Gregory B.), John Lomperis (Ekaterina), Elizabeth Tacalur Moore (Mrs. Phillip W.), John Powers (Alexis), Elbert Daymond Turner, IV, Sally Knapp, Kelly Knapp, Kaitlin Knapp, and Gordon Knapp; two step-grandchildren, Karen Boschen and Andrew Boschen; and by seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM in the chapel of Myers Park Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A private interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204. 704-641-7606. Condolences may be left online at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Betsey Remage-Healey

    Vibrant is indeed the word to describe her. And her legacy is her large loving family now missing their beloved matriarch. Godspeed, dear Irma.

  • Margaret Storrs Salisbury

    I am sorry to miss the service today, I would very much have liked to see Rosita and family! Your mom was such a sweet person, full of zip! Almost 100 years old, wow!
    Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. We were lucky to have these great mom's as long as we did.

  • Leigh Kelliher and family

    Mike and I send our deepest condolences to you, Carmie, and your family. You cared for your mother so deeply over the years and brought her such support. Irma was a wonderful and vibrant woman.

  • Steve and Sandra Foss

    Dear Turner family, we extend our deepest sympathies to you and yours. Please know of our prayers for you in the days ahead, that you will be comforted by God's presence, your memories of your beloved, and the knowledge of her life well-lived.

    Irma was a delight to know and her contagious enthusiasm for life was always refreshing to us.