Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 41, 18 February 1937, Page 10

Obituary

MBS. MINNIE CHARLOTTE TURNER. The passing of Mrs Minnie Charlotte Turner, of Palmerston North, widow of the late Mr Edward Turner, at an early hour yesterday morning, removes a highly-esteemed resident who was closely associated with the early life of the Manawatu. Born at Waltham Abbey, England, 78 years ago, the late Mrs Turner came to the Dominion with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs James Skerman, when in her teens, after completing her education at Brusselis. The family remained in Wellington until their new home was carved out of the bush at Silverlea’s and made the last stage of their journey by bullock waggon. About 58 years ago jthe deceased lady’s marriage to Mr Edward Turner took place in Palmerston North, the young couple setting off on horseback through the Manawatu Gorge on their honeymoon. Mr Turner was at that time manager of the Bank of Austialasia in Palmerston North and was later stationed at Wanganui and. Auckland, where he retired. Several trips were made to the Old Country and then Mr and Mrs Turner settled in Napier, only to suffer the loss of their home iu the earthquako of 1931, when they returned to Palmerston North, a long partnership being broken a few week* later by tne death of Mr Turner. Mrs Turner has since lived quietly in retirement in this centre, being latterly more or less an invalid. In her young days she possessed a beautiful voice and sue and the members of her family were closely associated with the musical liie of Palmerston North, always being xeady and willing to give of their talents and make their contribution to the common good. There are left to mourn their loss one daughter, Miss E. J. D. Turner, tho well-known artist of Palmerston North, and lour sons, Messrs Albert and J. Turner (Pori), Wilfred Turner (Puketitiri), and Guy Turner (Wellington), who will have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs K. N. Homan (Rangiotu), and four brothers, Doctor Sydney Skerman (Castlecliff;, Messrs R. Skerman (Wellington), L. Skerman (Waipukurau) and G. Skerman (Rangiotu). The funeral takes place early this morning at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery, following a short service at All Saints' Church.