Maria Elena Turano

After a courageous battle with cancer, Maria Elena Carucci Turano was embraced and called home by the Lord on February 5, 2013. Maria Elena was born on February 3rd, 1942 in New York City. After graduating from St. Helena’s High School in Bronx, N.Y. she attended Berkley Business College in New York City. On October 6, 1963 she married Lou, and moved to Colonial Heights, Virginia and became a “world class” wife and mom. She began her work career with Morgan Guaranty Trust in New York where she was the secretary to the Vice President. She joined Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and later returned to work at the Virginia State Assembly as secretary to various delegates for over 25 years. Her main enjoyment in life was being with her family, her four grandchildren and doing all she could to brighten and better their lives. That trait spilled over to all of those she touched. She was an accomplished bridge player and earned a Life Masters Status in Duplicate Bridge. Maria Elena loved to sew, make arts and crafts, cooking, entertaining and was an avid world traveler. Her greatest asset was approaching everything with joy and a smile. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Louis R. Turano, Jr.; one son, Louis R. Turano, III; her daughter, Neva Maria Smith; a sister, Annette Carrano; and her four grandchildren, Alexandra and Gabriella Turano and Barrett and Maria Elena Smith. Her family wishes to thank all of her extended family and friends who encouraged and supported Maria Elena throughout her six year ordeal. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to – 9:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. A mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2013 in St. Ann’s with Fr. Lou Ruoff and Fr. Ernest Bulinda as Celebrants. Inurnment will be private. Flowers are welcome in the Church or memorial donations may be made to the Massey Cancer Center, P.O. Box 843042 Richmond, Virginia 23284. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com