MARYANN MARGARET DONNELLY TURPIN

VERGENNES — Maryann Margaret Donnelly Turpin of Vergennes, died on May 15, her 85th birthday, following a short illness. As she passed into Jesus’ arms she was surrounded by family and love at home.

She was born in Waterbury, Conn., to Eugene Donnelly and Margaret Reilly Donnelly on May 15, 1939. Maryann joins her twin brother Martin “Butchy” Donnelly, who died at the tender age of four. As a young teen, Maryann moved to Vermont from Connecticut with her family.

Maryann was known as Mimi, mom, mama, and Mickey and was loved by many. She was always happy to help others, no matter if she knew them or not. Religion was especially important to Maryann. She was happiest when she was in church. Prior to getting sick she would attend Mass almost daily. Maryann loved being part of St. Peters Parish in Vergennes.

Maryann and husband Joe owned two restaurants over the years. The first was Mary and Joe’s Country Kitchen in Ferrisburgh and later the Park Restaurant in Vergennes. Maryann loved garage sales, furniture, bingo and fake flowers, or silk flowers as she referred to them. She took immense pride in her family and her home. The woman loved her rouge and lipstick.

Maryann married the love of her life, Joe Turpin, on April 15, 1961. Together they raised their daughters, Lisa, Joanne, Liz, and Amy in Shoreham, Ferrisburgh, Vergennes, Middlebury and finally back to Vergennes. A foster child, Doris, joined the family, and we were complete.

Maryann is survived by her five daughters and their families, Lisa Turpin and Mark Robert, Joanne Turpin-Wernhoff and husband Dale Wernhoff, Liz Warden, Amy Turpin-DeFilippo and husband Mark DeFilippo, and Doris Gallipo and husband Joe Gallipo; her brother, John Donnelly and wife Melinda Donnelly; cousin, Mary Beth Reilly; and nieces and nephews.

Mimi loved her grandchildren and was just as excited about the birth of the first grandchild as she was about the birth of her last grandchild. Her grandchildren are Sheena, Stephanie, Mary Margaret, Emily, Annie, Jonas, Cooper, McKenzie, Luigi, Domonic, Joe, Mike, Matthew, Jonathan, Jeffrey, and Justin. Great-grandchildren are Noah, Daniel, Adler, Elizabeth, Hunter, Scarlett, Celia, Ender, Evelyn, and Lochlin.

Maryann was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Turpin; treasured son-in-law Jeffrey Warden; and great-grandchild, Hannah. She is also predeceased by her parents; sisters Joan Bushey and Nancy Bushey; and brothers William Donnelly and Martin Donnelly.

Calling hours will be held at Brown McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Sunday, June 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. Maryann’s funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes on Monday, June 10t, at 11 a.m.◊