Kathleen Marie Turk

Kathleen Marie (McCarthy) Turk, 74, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, formerly of Zionsville, IN, passed away February 1, 2018. Kathleen was born July 29, 1943 to Daniel and Nellie McCarthy. She was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Marian University, and received a post-graduate degree from Cal State- Long Beach. She was preceded in death by her sister Therese Maxwell and Infant Son Turk. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Joe; children, Joseph Jr. (Amy), Stephen (Elizabeth), and Johnathan (Callie); grandchildren Joseph III, Josh, Samantha, Mary Kate, Caroline, Patrick, Catherine, Luke, Ellie, and Katie; brother, Daniel McCarthy MD (Mary), sister Mary Ann Risch, sister-in-law Barbara Schunk (Jerry); 20 nieces and nephews. Kathleen was an educator, a homemaker, and an artist. Learning and teaching were lifelong pursuits as she continually added to her own education and that of her husband, sons, and grandchildren. Her teaching approach was always straight talk, a strong compass, and sage advice. As a result, each of them not only have fond memories but useful material for life's challenges. Most homemakers only have to set up shop once or twice. Kathl...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

masterfully did it 9 times from West Lafayette, IN, to Louisville, KY, Dallas, TX, Baltimore, MD, San Juan, PR, Los Angeles, CA, Carmel, IN, Zionsville, IN, and Amelia Island, FL. She loved to say that "moving gave you a chance to start over." When retirement came, she finally was able to revisit her artistic talent using water colors and oils for the first time since college. Her paintings will be displayed and enjoyed in the family homes for several generations. She had several passions besides education, family and art. The first was her Catholic faith. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Michael's (Florida), Legatus of Indiana, and volunteered with Love Inc. and Right to Life of Indianapolis for many years. She received the Charles E. Stimming Award for outstanding service from Right to Life in 2008. Another was Marian University where she often volunteered for the "Opportunities for Excellence" Scholarship dinner, and co-chaired the effort in 2008. She also enjoyed playing golf with her husband and friends at Crooked Stick and the Amelia Island Club (Florida). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM in our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oakridge Rd., Carmel, IN, with family and friends gathering on Monday February 5, 2018 in Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kathleen Marie (McCarthy) Turk Scholarship, Marian University (Indianapolis), the Merciful Help Center, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 1045 W. 146th Street, Carmel, IN 46032, or Right to Life of Indianapolis, 1060 E. 86th St., Suite 61B, Indianapolis, IN 46240. You may share a memory at www.leppertmortuary.com.