Obituary of Madora J. Turpin

Madora J. Turpin (nee Stevens), 84, of Hopewell Township, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 11, 2023. Dora, as she was known by most of her friends, was a beautiful spirit, always brightening the lives of others. She worked for Prudential for many years before becoming a cherished secretary at Indian Avenue School in Bridgeton; students still recall her kindness and empathy. She never met a stranger, whether she was at ShopRite or at her weekly lunch date with some of her closest pals. She loved talking on the phone with her friends and family as well as welcoming visitors to her table. She was always up for shopping excursions with her friends, especially to Boscov’s and the Amish Market. Dora also loved animals, making sure stray cats had food, water, shelter and medical care. She adored her church family and loved her years singing in the choir. She loved to enjoy her meals, whether dining in or out, and had a killer sweet tooth. She was fond of her Friday night casino adventures with her late husband and in recent years played slots on her iPad. She also looked forward to the many messages she and son Greg would exchange all day long, especially the daily picture of her grandson ready for school, plus phone calls every night and weekend dinners with Greg, Katie and Matty. She treasured time spent playing and talking with Matthew, spoiling him and loving him as only a devoted granny can. She would also always mention how grateful she was to have such a loving daughter-in-law Katharine, Most of all, she loved spending time with her beloved cat, Bootsie and her family. Madora was a Christmas baby and her excitement for Christmas every year was palpable. She was thoughtful in her gift-giving, always considering how she could find the perfect presents for her loved ones. She was the magic of Christmas to her family. Dora was nothing if not strong. In 1980, she faced an acoustic neuroma brain tumor and beat it. In 1990, she defeated breast cancer for the first time. In 2014, her breast cancer returned, only for her to vanquish again. Yes, we can say it: she beat cancer’s ASS. Madora was a friend to all, a true social butterfly in all the best ways. She was vivacious, a brilliant light. She had the most breathtaking smile, genuine and full of joy for life. Words cannot express the devastation of her loss. Madora is survived by her loving son, Greg Turpin, her devoted daughter-in-law Katharine, the apple of her eye, grandson Matthew and her grand-dog Maggie Ann. She is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Joseph C. Turpin, Jr., her son, Joseph C. Turpin III, her daughter Jennifer Turpin, her siblings Pearl Stevens, Jeanne Cole, William Stevens and close sister-in-law Sandra Stevens, and her parents, Martin and Elizabeth (nee Cheeseman) Stevens. She is also predeceased by many beloved pets, namely Buffy, Nip and Tuck, and grand-dogs Brewtus, Molly and Max. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Padgett Funeral Home, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp., where friends and loved ones may call between 11 am and noon, with a service following at noon. Madora will be interred at Overlook Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 266 East Commerce Street in Bridgeton. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com. Lovingly submitted by the family