Obituary of Kathryn Maude Turnbull

The death of Kathryn Maude Turnbull (née Mutch), wife of the late Honourable John W. Turnbull, occurred on February 23. Born to Eugene and Vera Mutch in Newcastle, NB, on August 8, 1936, Kathy and her family grew up in Tabusintac. She was a graduate of NB Teacher’s College and taught school in Saint John and Fredericton. 

She leaves behind her loving, devoted children: Vera Turnbull (Art Crease) of Quispamsis, Caroline Turnbull (Mac MacFarlane) of New Maryland and Hughie Turnbull (Saint John); and her sister, Joan Daley (Russ) of Wilmington, Massachusetts; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Until recently, Kathy remained an active champion for the well-being and rights of those with physical and mental disabilities and served for decades on the boards of the Vocational Training Center and Independance Plus Inc. A strong, intelligent woman of Miramichi grit and determination, Kathy was a fantastic mother; the proud and loving wife of her husband, John (who beat her to the grave by 9 months, but never once at Scrabble); an ardent collector of antiques; a passionate gardener with a very green thumb; and an extraordinary, gifted needle worker. She was kind and loyal to those she loved and was always keenly interested in knowing people - she leaves behind a long trail of acquaintances, friends and family members who will miss her deeply.

Due to COVID restrictions, a service and internment will be held at a later date.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to your local Food Bank, or to Independance Plus Inc (long term residential care homes for vulnerable and disabled adults in Saint John, NB), or to the charity of your choice.