Obituary of Harriett Turnquist

Harriett R. (Rogers) Turnquist passed away at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family on Sunday morning, January 13, 2013. The beloved wife of the late Henry Turnquist, Jr. she was 88 years old. Harriett was born in Somerville, the youngest of four daughters born to the late Harry and Ethel Rogers. She was raised and educated in Billerica and a graduate of Billerica High School. Harriett and her husband Henry settled in Burlington in 1954. She had a successful career as the Principle Clerk in the Tax office for the Town of Burlington. She enjoyed her job and took pride in sharing her knowledge with others. Harriett was a talented seamstress. She would make her own clothing as well as for her children and grandchildren. It was nothing for Harriett to purchase a piece of fabric, go home, design and sew an outfit and wear it to work the next day. She was even known to make “three-piece suits” for her grandsons. She enjoyed her summer home in Wareham where she shared happy memories with family and friends. Harriett was affectionately known as the “Matriarch” of the Turnquist family. Her life was all about her family and her home. She was very blessed to be a part of her children’s lives, as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A popular question at any family gathering was “Did Nana make the whoopie pies?” The door to Harriett’s home was always open to her family and friends. Harriett will be remembered as a woman who put her family first and leaves a strong family legacy. Harriett leaves three children, all of Burlington: Claudia Higson (her husband the late Gerald), Phyllis Hall (her husband the late John “Nick”), and Henry III & his wife Susan. She was the sister of the late Esther Skelton, Phyllis Melendy, and Lillian Wallace and grandmother of the late grandson Jason Virgin; a devoted & proud grandmother of Carla Beaulieu, Gerald Higson Jr, Catherine Johnson, Robert Higson, Paul Virgin, Lisa LaCarbonara, Gina Applegate, Eric Turnquist, Shawn Turnquist. Also survived by 16 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Jan 16 at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery Burlington. Memorials in Harriett’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org.