Obituary of Rachel (Raffaela) Turiano
Rachel (Raffaela) Turiano, age 99, beloved wife of the late Michael Turiano, passed away Friday January 11, 2019 peacefully at her home. She passed away on the 10th anniversary of her younger sister Eleanor's death. Rachel was born in Bridgeport and was the daughter of Modestino and Alberina who were pre-deceased. Her sister Edith survives her. She also had 2 brothers (Louis and Pasquale) and 3 other sisters (Emily, Lucy and Eleanor) all pre-deceased. Rachel worked at local garment company as a Seamstress. She was a member of the Lady's Guild at Holy Rosary Church and Park City Hospital Women's Auxiliary. She formed a weekly Knitting Club and belonged to the "Happy Five" Bowling League. In addition, she was the Bookkeeper for Michael's Electrical Contracting Business. Her deceased husband served as State Representative of the 120th District under Governor Ella Grasso. They attended many Presidential Inaugural Balls in Washington, D.C. as well as traveled all over the United States including the Virgin Islands, went on numerous Cruises and an endless number of Bus-trips. Both, Rachel and Michael, had the highest honor of a private meeting with Pope John Paul II when they were in Italy and they were also honored with hosting 2 Cardinals from the Vatican at their home for a day. For many years, Rachel loved to entertain family and friends as her home always had an open door. She also loved playing Pinochle and did so, any chance she had. Rachel was our "Queen of Hearts" everyday and labeled as our family "Diva". No matter whom she met or came in contact with, fell in love with her immediately and for those, that never met her but heard of her, felt as if they had known her for years. Rachel was truly a "Gem" which is a very rare find. She was such a Classy Lady, a Beautiful person inside and out and was part of the early 19th Century Generation that is sadly diminishing. Our family has lost our Matriarch and was so very blessed to have had her for so long.
Survivors include: Devoted Daughter, Patti. A Son, Michael A. and wife Marion and Son-in-law, Nick.
Grandchildren: Lisa, Russ, Lori, Kurt, Michael R., Christine, Rachel, James, Thomas, Kara, Stacy and Madeline.
Great-Grandchildren: Aryion, Jacob, Raffaela, Emma, Connor and Mikey.
Many Nieces, Nephews and countless close friends.
Our family would like to extend the warmest heartfelt thanks to all of Rachel's private caregivers Doris (Son Terrell who was so smitten over his "Granny"), Rosie "Buttercup", Eileen, Shamone, Joan, Linda, Bertha, Jessica, Rebecca, Paulette, Audrey, Connie, Brianna, Gloria (Daugther Jayda who loved Rachel), Eleanor, Jackie and her nephew Patrick who cared for her at her home. Rachel loved each and every one of you. She knew that all of you adored and loved her by the wonderful care you gave her. She certainly gave us many laughs with her witty things she said and most of all Rachel never missed a trick.
Thank you to Stratford EMS, Bridgeport Hospital ER (Doctors, Nurses and Chaplain Vincent), Vitas Hospice (Nurses: Sandra, Nicole and Beverly) and all at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home. You are all "Angels" and we are fortunate to have you in our lives.
If everyone in this world were all like you this world would be a much better place.
Private family services were conducted at:
Abriola Parkview Funeral Home
419 White Plains Rd.
Trumbull, Connecticut
Contributions in Rachel’s name can be made to:
Vitas Hospice
99 Hawley Lane
2nd Floor Suite 1204
Stratford, CT 06614
Patti would like to thank all of her friends and her parent's friends who always stopped by through the years to visit them.