Suzanne E. Turner

Suzanne Ellen (Brown) Turner, 85, of North Providence, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Gertrude E. Brown and Thomas C. Brown.

Raised in Bristol, Sue graduated from Bristol Senior High School before enrolling in the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing. She went on to dedicate 43 years as a nurse at RI Hospital. A true trailblazer in the field of nursing, Sue took pride in the care she gave to her patients. She believed in treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect and formed lasting bonds with colleagues and patients. Nursing was not her profession, it was her calling.

Sue was a passionate advocate for nurses’ and workers’ rights. She played an active role in organizing the RI Hospital Nurses in joining United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP), standing firmly for fairness, safety, and respect in the workplace. She often brought her grandchildren to pickets and rallies, proudly holding signs in support of the union and teaching them the importance of standing up for what is right. Her strength and determination left a lasting impression on all who witnessed her commitment.

A true Bristolian at heart, Sue cherished the Bristol Fourth of July Parade and attended every parade for 85 years. It was her favorite tradition and a reflection of her deep love for her hometown. She also found great joy and peace in her gardens. She took pride in cultivating beautiful flowers, especially her beloved hydrangeas and roses. Tending to her plants brought her happiness and was just another expression of her nurturing spirit.

Sue is survived by her loving son, John Turner and his wife, JoAnn Turner, of Smithfield; her sister, Joanne Dupuis of Providence; and her brother, Thomas C. Brown, Jr. of Alexandria, Virginia. She was predeceased by her beloved children, Suzanne M. Turner and James E. Turner; her daughter-in-law, Stacey Shreve-Turner; and her brother-in-law, Edward Dupuis.

Sue also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Shannon Turner and her fiancé, Gavin Mott, with whom she resided; Colleen Turner and her fiancé, Harrison Dulgarian of Providence; Erin Turner of Smithfield; Adam Turner of Cranston; and Samantha Turner of Cranston.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. John Stoukides and his team at RI Mood & Memory for their compassionate care and support throughout Sue’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. They would also like to thank Dr. Elias Shaaya and the Neurosurgery team, the Brown Medical Neurology Team, the caretakers at Synergy Homecare, Encompass Health and all of the nurses and therapists at RI Hospital who cared for her.

Sue will be remembered for her resilience, her fierce love for her family, and her generous heart. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched as a nurse, an advocate, a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Augustine’s Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. Burial will be private at a later date. Calling hours: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 4-7 pm in the Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations of Providence www.hillskeffington.com