Grete Turin

Grete Turin

Manchester, VT — Grete Turin bridged the old world and new, embracing America where she raised her three children while maintaining her Danish heritage.

She died on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. She was 94.

Born on Feb. 28, 1919 in Copenhagen, Denmark, she graduated from high school at the age of 16. “Grete had many old world skills such as bookbinding, needlepoint, knitting, and cooking,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She was skilled at baking and everyone in the family enjoyed her creations.

“One of her intuitive abilities was fostering the growth of her children, and they, in turn, developed into very caring and proud parents.”

With few opportunities in post World War II Denmark, she encouraged her husband, Poul, to immigrate to the United States in 1946 with their 2-year-old son, Boje. Together, they became proud United States citizens, continuing and incorporating their Danish heritage in their new life.

Mrs. Turin and her husband worked together and created several retail businesses featuring their fondness for Scandinavian design, mainly furniture and home accessories.

“Grete was the official greeter and goodwill promoter, which she accomplished with great style and grace,” her family wrote.

Her interests and inspirations included her observations of nature. “She loved to take rides through the landscape with her favorite driver, Poul,” her family wrote. “She also liked to get her feet wet at the ocean beach in Denmark and later Cape Cod and Maine.

“Lately, Grete’s thoughts were of her family and friends, wishing them health and happiness.”

She is survived by her children: Boje and his wife, Carol, Lars and his partner, Connie, and Neina and her husband, Duane; her nephews: George Turin Clemmensen, Poul Turin Clemmensen and his wife, Gerd, and their families.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Daniel; Brian and his wife, Heather; Marilyn and her husband, Dale; Ali Rose and her husband, Rick; Ethan and his wife, Jenna; Kelsey and her husband, Scott; Robyn and her partner, Jess; Jennifer and her husband, Francios; Kyle and his wife, Danielle; and Abigail.

She is survived, too, by her great-grandchildren: Josh, Kier, Megan, Cade, Breanna, Brina, Abigail, Ashley, Carmela, Damian, Jadyn, and Avery.

Her husband of 68 years, Poul Turin, died before her. Her grandchild, Dusty, also died before her.

Among her friends that became family are Ebba and Cutler Severance (both deceased), Nancy and Warren Severance and family, Hope (deceased) and Eric Severance and family, Bunny and Art Ward (both deceased), Elizabeth and Dan Wheeler, Suzanne (née Wheeler) Bergin and Justin Bergin, and Joanne Wheeler.

There will be a gathering to commemorate her life on Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Southern Vermont Arts Center on West Road in Manchester, Vt. from 2 to 4 p.m. Statements will be made at the beginning of the gathering.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Vermont Art Center, Post Office Box 617, Manchester, Vermont 05254. Checks should be payable to Southern Vermont Art Center with “Children’s Programs” written in the memo space.

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