Published in the October 13, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Elizabeth A. (Wilson) “Betty” Tura, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Care One in Wilmington on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at age 86.
Elizabeth was born in New York City on September 9, 1931, one of two children of the late Walter D. and Constance (Sorrensen) Wilson. Raised in Saugus, Betty graduated from Saugus High School with the Class of 1949. After high school, she worked on the candy line at the Schrafft’s Building in Charlestown, and later as a telephone operator for several years. Betty also served in the Civil Air Patrol in 1950’s, proudly completing several hours of her flight training. On February 14, 1954 she was married to Charles F. Tura and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of four.
For over 30 years, she worked at the Middlesex Fells Nursing Home in Melrose, but most of all, Betty was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Her first priority was always her family and her home. She took great pride in everything about her home and loved to care for her family whether cooking, sewing, or cleaning. As a homemaker, she was a warm, loving wife to her husband, a supportive mother to her children, and later a comforting and compassionate presence for her grandchildren.
For many years, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she was involved with the Hope Circle. Throughout her life, Betty served happily as a volunteer. When her family was young, she donated her time to EMARC, and after reaching retirement, she volunteered at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. If needed, she was always ready to provide comfort, or take someone in.
Warm hearted, yet strong and independent, Betty was a loyal woman who made her presence known wherever she was. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage, and loved animals. Most of all, her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she took exceptional care of all of them. She will be lovingly remembered for being great source of love and comforting attention to generations of her family. She will be missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Betty was the beloved wife of the late Charles F. Tura with whom she shared nearly 46 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Susan A. Tura of Malden, Constance M. Ferreira and her husband James of Melrose, Lisa M. Gorman and her husband Sean of Melrose, and the late Charles F. Tura and his surviving wife Deborah S. Tura of Reading. Dear sister of Mark O. Wilson and his late wife Norma of St. Orange, Florida. Cherished grandmother of James Ferreira, Haley Gorman, Alyssa Gorman, Cameron Gorman, and the late Catherine Ferreira. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Betty’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., on Tuesday, October 10, followed by her Funeral Service. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For directions or online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
