Jeannette Zora Turnbull, 96, of Marion, died Sunday, January 24, 2016 at home. She was the widow of William Veale Turnbull and the daughter of the late Joseph S. and Ana Medeiros Zora.
Jeannette was born in Marion and attended Marion elementary schools. She graduated from Tabor Academy in 1938 and the Kinyon-Campbell Business School in 1939.
Jeannette served as a cryptographer at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island during World War II and at the Pentagon during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Mrs. Turnbull was one of the first women to work as an FAA air traffic controller in the tower at Norfolk.
Jeannette was an intrepid traveler, avid reader and gifted gardener. Wherever her family was stationed Jeannette was actively involved in the school community. In Marion she served as a VASE volunteer at Sippican School and a scout leader.
Survivors include her son, Porter V. Turnbull, D.C. of Haleiwa, Hawaii; her daughters, Zora Ann Turnbull Lynch of Marion, Cecily Balboni of Marion and Keeley Chretien of Winchendon; a brother, Robert J. Zora of Rochester; two sisters, Pauline Hiller and Nancy Clarke both of Marion; eight grandchildren; two great -grandchildren; many nephews and nieces. She was the sister of the late Edward and Joseph Zora.
Her graveside service was held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Evergreen Cemetery, Marion. Visiting hours have been omitted.
Donations in her memory may be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation, 1 Bullfinch Place Second Floor, Boston, MA 02114.