Claudia E. Turnquist

Claudia E. (Wright) Turnquist, 77, of Foster, RI, passed away on September 17, 2023. Born on November 13, 1945, Claudia was the daughter of the late Norman W. Wright, Sr. and Ina L. (Pierce) Wright, of Foster. Claudia leaves behind her husband of 59 years, Alfred G. Turnquist and two children: Norman A. (Jacqueline) Turnquist of Carlisle, NY and Cheryl A. (Larry Iadonisi) Turnquist of Rumford, RI. She was the proud grandmother of Carl A. (Zoe Schwartz) Turnquist, of North Kingstown, RI and Alex D. Iadonisi of Rumford, RI. She is also survived by her brother Norman “Sam” (Cheryl) Wright, Jr. of Foster, RI and their daughter Christina Wright, of Florida, and several cousins. A member of the first graduating class, she graduated Ponaganset High School in 1963. Claudia’s first passion was for her family. Any crafting activity was fair game and nature walks were encouraged. When the truck went by to stock the fishing hole down the road, she was soon driving to school to bring Norman home to go fishing. She did lots of crafts with Cheryl and supported her many activities. When Cheryl and her friends Kris and Cathy wanted to make a “gymnastic pad” on the living room floor or build a fort, Claudia was pulling the cushions off the couch to make it happen. A road trip to the Mall was always in the cards. A superb homemaker, she kept a tidy house, enjoyed planting flowers, and there was always something freshly baked at hand. Claudia loved visiting her two grandsons and having them stay overnight in Foster. Tirelessly patient and loving, she was the grandmother who got down on the floor and played, laughing all the time. Claudia’s second passion was quilting. She was an expert quilter, diving into all types of quilting. Many of her quilts were on display throughout their home, and she was always coming up with something new to make for her family. She even provided quilts for auction at her grandson’s school and her work has been exhibited throughout the region at quilt shops and a show in Charlton, MA. When traveling with Al, it wasn’t unusual to go a bit out of the way to visit a quilt shop and she spent many, many hours quilting with her friend Carol. If the adage, ‘She with the most fabric, wins’ is true, Claudia was a champion. Backyard birding was a favorite pastime, and every year there was a bit of competition between Claudia and her Aunt Dot as to who had what bird in their backyard first. Her birdfeeders were always active with a great variety of birds, and she taught her children and grandchildren to identify many of them. And there was always at least one cat – usually more – in the house, being loved and pampered. Finally, Claudia will be remembered as a caretaker. When someone wasn’t feeling well, needed support to go to a doctor’s appointment, or a meal, Claudia was always there with her kind words, lovely smile, and warm heart. Wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend...you could not find a more loving, kind or caring person.

Tributes

Claudia E. Turnquist

September 17, 2023