Bella Turk

KINGSFORD - Bella Turk, 100, a well-known Kingsford resident, peacefully passed away Thursday, June 5, 2008, at Manor Care in Kingsford. She was born July 17, 1907, in Iron Mountain, one of 12 children of the late John and Jenny Goulette. Bella graduated from high school in 1926. She excelled in basketball and skating. She graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in 1930, earning a bachelor of arts degree in French, English, and history. She began teaching in Hermansville and joined the Breitung Township School District where she taught for 34 years. During her tenure at Kingsford, she was Dean of Girls for 12 years and acclaimed as one of the best and most respected teachers of KHS. Bella retired in 1972. She was proud of all of her students and always remembered them by name. She was thrilled that the students always invited her back to their class reunions as an honored guest. On July 5, 1934, Bella married John D. Turk. They made the most of every day together during their 54 years of marriage. Their secret to a happy marriage was hard work, dedication, and prayer. They enjoyed their retirement by spending time together at camp (they were quite the turkey hunting team!), and planting their garden each summer. John preceded her in death on May 3, 1990. Bella's rewards were found in her countless friends and former students. She loved when friends visited her and especially enjoyed her birthdays when she would receive an abundance of birthday cards, flowers, and visitors. She also prided herself in attending daily Mass and saying her rosary. Bella was a prime example of an exemplary Christian woman. Everyone that knew her loved her. Her positive attitude and smile will be greatly missed. Bella was a member of the American Martyrs Catholic Church and volunteered in the community for many years. She worked for the Probate Court under the Honorable Judge John D. Payant, St. Vincent de Paul, the Red Cross, and also helped in the family business at Twin City Cleaners. She is survived by a son, Eugene (Gwenyth) Turk of Chandler, Ariz.; a daughter, Alice Tuomela of Iron Mountain; six grandchildren, William Tuomela of Colorado Springs, Colo., Connie (Gary) Jacobson of Breitung Township, Robert (Mary) Tuomela of Breitung Township, Sherry (Roger) Simon of Chandler, Mark Turk of Boulder, Colo., and Jay (Janet) Turk of Phoenix, Ariz.; eight great- grandchildren, Mallory and Taylor Jacobson, Krista and Eric Tuomela; Cory and Jordan Simon, and Ashleigh and Alison Turk; one great-great grandson, Jacob; special nephew, Art (Shirley) Viens; special niece, Kathy (William) Counter; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Besides her husband and parents, Bella was preceded in death by her 11 siblings, John Goulette, Eva Elmer, Hector Goulette, Virginia Valenti, Albina Viens, Delore "Chut" Goulette, Henry Goulette, James Goulette, Margaret La Fave, George Goulette, and Arthur Goulette; and a son- in-law, Gerald Tuomela on Jan. 20, 2008. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.Monday at the church. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Bella Turk online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Bella Turk

July 17, 1907 - June 5, 2008