Irene Turnquist, beloved mother and grandmother passed away on August 20th, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life. Irene was born in New York City on March 1st, 1936 to Emma and Thomas Gallagher.
As a first generation Irish American, she grew up in the Bronx and graduated Cathedral High School in NYC, where she excelled and made life long friendships.
After working in NYC she married and moved to Long Island where she raised her three children, Laurie, Stephen, and Julie.
In 1980, she married Jim Turnquist. She found her dream job at Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO). In 1995, after 15 years of service she retired.
In the early 1990s, Jim retired from Grumman Aerospace.  He also served honorably in the Unites States Air Force and United States Coast Guard achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He retired with over 30 years of combined service.
In 1997, they moved to Clermont, Florida. In Clermont, they found their retirement "Paradise" in the Kings Ridge Community - Jim enjoyed golfing and volunteering while Irene played Mahjong for almost 30 years.
Surrounded by her ever expanding circle of friends there wasn't a game that she didn't enjoy!
Irene also enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering at Cornerstone Hospice and the Women's Club of Kings Ridge.
She is survived  by her three children, and two step children, Jamie and Christopher.
She is also survived by five cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Hayley, Diana, Katie and Meg who love her with all their hearts.            .

A celebration of life for Irene and Jim is set for Sunday, October 6th from 1-4 PM at the Kings Ridge Club House in Clermont, Florida.
On Monday, October 7th, there will a private internment service at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice https://cornerstonehospice.org  and Palliative Care  or to your favorite charity.