FRANCINE TURCO
02/14/1934 - 07/16/2022
Francine Tortorice Turco was born February 14, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of the late Julius and Josephine Tortorice. Francine passed away peacefully on July 16, 2022, and joined her beloved husband Charles Turco in eternal rest. Charles and Francine celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on the 5th of September 2021. A gifted student, Francine excelled in mathematics and science, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from St. John’s University, New York and later earned her Master’s in Education from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. It was at St. John’s that she met the love of her life, husband Charles. Francine was a devoted wife and mother. People were naturally drawn to her listening ear and comforting shoulder. She was strong, smart, independent and had an amazing memory. Everyone felt her caring nature. At an early age, her talent for art became obvious. Her oil paintings are family treasures. Francine also was an amazing cook, and her family and friends looked forward to her incredible Italian meals. She made holidays special for everyone. Francine was passionate about teaching mathematics not only to her students, but also to other young teachers. The students she taught loved and respected her. One of her greatest honors was being selected Teacher of the Year in three different middle schools of Beaumont, Texas. She was promoted to be the District Mathematics Supervisor and later to Director of a sizable National Science Foundation Grant. She held offices in the sororities of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Delta Kappa and Sabine Area of Teachers of Mathematics. As a child, Francine grew to love mathematics by playing advanced logic games, puzzles and challenges. Throughout her life she loved challenging thought puzzles along with Sudoku, and she kept alert and mentally sharp by challenging herself with mental and mathematical puzzles. Francine was very active in the Catholic faith throughout her life. She was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, St. Anthony Cathedral, Beaumont, Texas and a faithful member of Christ the Redeemer Church, Houston,
Texas. Francine supported many charities and always had a special place in her heart for neglected children, especially Native American children. As an educator and community representative Francine continued to serve in retirement, including for 15 years at Farney Elementary School. She and her friend Barbara Stewart also formed a ministry designing and painting extraordinarily beautiful cards for hospitalized children. Francine is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Charles Paul Turco Sr. and her sister Rosalie Gulotta.
She is survived by her brother John Tortorice and wife Jane, her children Charles Turco Jr. and wife Jana, Luanne Jones, Jamie Trahan and husband Paul, and Joan Pillitere and husband Chris. She is also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren: Anthony Turco, wife Ashley and children Nicole, Zane, Isabella, Anthony and Avery; Charles Vincent Turco, wife Ashley and daughter McKayla; Blake Jones and daughter Bailey; Danielle Jones; Elizabeth Turco and daughter Penelope; Joseph Trahan and wife Megan; Charles Trahan and wife Hope; Christopher Pillitere, wife Kelsey and daughter Nora; and Casey Pillitere. We find comfort in knowing that Francine is in heaven watching over us. A Memorial Mass was held at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church on Thursday, August 4. Memorial contributions in Francine Turco’s name may be made to Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church School.