Verna Turk

Verna Turk was a loving and devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on the morning of February 4th, 2026. Born on March 9th, 1936, she left us just shy of 90 years old. Verna spent 40 years as an administrative aid at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. A lifetime resident of Danby, New York, she spent her days “out ramming” with her husband of 72 years, Bob Turk. They built a beautiful life together, filled with music, friends and family. Her favorite pastimes include hosting the most spectacular Christmas gatherings, bird watching, gardening, listening to her husband play steel guitar, and spending time with her loved ones.

Losing her Mom at a young age to ovarian cancer and caring for her little sister as she navigated and ultimately succumbed to MS, are just some of the heartaches she’s experienced in her life. Verna was a 3 times cancer survivor, teaching us strength and resilience as she overcame these battles with grace. Never faltering in her commitment to family, Verna was a strong woman who loved fiercely. She has left behind her husband, Bob Turk, her son, Jim Turk (Doreen Ellis Turk), granddaughters, Jessica Turk Love (Jeff), Samantha Turk Kuhl (Jared), Chrissy Turk Haltom (Jhakeem), great-grandchildren, Kiara Love, Austin Love, Amari Love, Orion Haltom, Luma Haltom, Melanie Kuhl, her nephews, Scott Dean, Bill Chaffee, her niece Linda Chaffee and great-nephews, Nick Dean and Little Bill Chaffee. She was predeceased by her father, William Chaffee Sr, her mother, Jeanette Chaffee (Hotaling), her brother, William Chaffee Jr, and her sister Nancy Dean (Chaffee). The family would also like to acknowledge Danielle and Brittany for their dedication to supporting Verna and her family, with such love and care, in her final months.

A funeral service will be held at Bangs Funeral Home on February 13th at 10:00 am. In keeping with Verna’s wishes there will be no calling hours. Flowers and cards can be sent to Bangs.