Claire A. Turner

January 1, 1934 - May 8, 2020

Claire A. Turner (née Meiferdt), 86, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020. Formerly of Hazel Crest, IL, she had been a seasonal resident of Bonita Springs for over 20 years and a permanent resident since 2012. She was born on January 1, 1934, in Waukegan, IL, the daughter of Truman and Margaret (née Gruber) Meiferdt. Mrs. Turner grew up in Joliet, IL, graduating from St. Francis Academy. She met Fred J. Turner and the two were wed in September of 1956. They relocated to South Bend, IN, later to Rochester, MN, eventually settling in Hazel Crest, IL. In Sept of 1957, Fred and Claire were blessed with the birth of their first child. She was a devoted and steadfast supporter of her husband throughout his educational, military, and medical careers. She loved her career taking care of patients at the Community Medical Center in Harvey, IL, where she worked in the evenings for many years as a Lab Technician. In 1976, Fred and his partner Tom Essig included Claire to join them in establishing Physical Therapy and Sports Injury Rehabilitation (PTSIR). She was hired as the Office Manager. Little did anyone know she would be billing, scheduling, HR and at times even a plumber. Claire was the Glue and Heartbeat of PTSIR. Claire was often considered the matriarch of the “PTSIR family“ since she made all PTSIR employees feel part of a close family that continues to this day. Upon her retirement in 2000, she became a snowbird, traveling between Hazel Crest, IL and Bonita Springs until they decided to become permanent fixtures of the Bonita Springs community. She had many passions throughout her life including her children’s sports and school activities. She loved horses and horseback riding. She was an avid golfer, enjoying the Calumet Country Club and was a member of the Ladies Golf Club in Homewood, IL. Spending time with her children and grandchildren at the pool and traveling, as new places were always a joy. Claire spent her Saturdays with Fred and friends at Notre Dame Football Games. She took great pride in her flower gardens. But most of all, Claire was a homebody and cherished a visit from her children or just a quiet night watching tv with her husband. Mrs. Turner is survived by her children; Fred J. Turner of Pensacola, FL, Suzy Turner (Dennis Miller) of Bonita Springs, FL, Therese (Timothy) Post of Braidwood IL. Sister to Barbara Horak of Tulsa OK, beloved grandmother to Abbie (Chris) Teague, Adam (Maria) Post, Aaron Post, Joseph (Michelle) Turner and Lauren Chapman-Turner. Great-grandmother to Chase, Camden, Catalena. Chelsey, Airiana, Alixandrea, Emerson, Monroe and Briggs. She also leaves 3 nieces and 2 nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, the late Fred J. Turner. Services are to be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home and Crematory Family Owned and Operated since 1978.