Obituary of Ida Mary Panella Turan

Ida Mary Panella Turan, born October 23, 1922, passed away peacefully at the age of 99, (almost 100 years) on March 08, 2022 in Rochester, NY.  She is predeceased by her husband, Samuel F. Turan, her parents, Francesco Antonio “Tony” and Vincenzina “Jenny” (Santamaria) Panella of Pontecorvo, Italy, and her two sisters, Mary Agostinelli and Helene Schlegel. 

She is survived by two sons, John Anthony “Jack” (Gayle) Turan and Michael James (Pamela) Turan, a grandson, Spencer John-Anthony (Kelsey) Turan, and several nieces and nephews.

Ida was born in Rochester, NY, the third daughter of immigrant parents, and spoke beautiful Italian throughout her life.  She graduated from Charlotte High School and was proud to complete her degree at RBI.  After meeting Sam at Standard Motors, they married on June 19, 1943 and built their life for 61 years sharing the love of their family, ballroom dancing, spontaneous neighborhood gatherings, and traveling, until his death in 2004 at age 89.

Ida had numerous careers over the years at Charlotte Appliance, Kodak, St. Ann’s, and in her 60’s became a Real Estate Agent for Nothnagle Real Estate; and always challenged herself to further her careers.  She brought amazing culinary creations and accounting skills to her son, Jack, when he opened The Seafood Store in Webster; but her favorite roles, of course, were Ma, to her sons, and Nana, to her beloved grandson.

She was a devote Catholic and participated in a Webster Rosary Group for years.  In 1995 she met Pope John Paul II at the Vatican during the beatification ceremony for sainthood for her uncle, Blessed Grimoldo Ferdinando Santamaria (1883-1902) of Pontecorvo, Italy; and worked diligently with her sister Helene to spread his story throughout the Rochester community.

Ida was instrumental in starting and co-managed the Rochester Scleroderma Support Group. Despite years of severe macular degeneration, she was determined to explore her potential as an artist, and was passionate about her colorful flower gardens of tulips, daffodils, lavender and lilacs.  Sam and she planted large vegetable gardens each year, and hundreds of trees throughout her lifetime.  Although she was a great cook, she had the wisdom to introduce her two sons to the kitchen and the concept of pitching in and helping out around the house.   She was a trusted friend, and appreciative mother-in-law, and surprised the family when she decided to be a singer the last fifteen years of her life.

She will be remembered for her energy, intelligence, independence, extraordinary determination, inquisitive nature, and passion…a woman ahead of her time in so many ways.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to St. John’s Home staff for their loving care of Ida the past three years. 

There will be a small service followed by a gathering of family and friends from 2:00-4:00 pm on Friday, March 25^th at Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Avenue, Webster, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ida’s name to Webster Montessori School, 1310 Five Mile Line Road, Webster NY  14580.