Ottavia “Tarvey” Turner, of Chelsea, MA, mother, grandmother, and friend peacefully left this life with a full heart on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at the age of 84.
She was born on March 31, 1937, to the late Theresa M. (Pesce) Ricciardi and Aniello Ricciardi of Everett.
Tarvey grew up and raised her family for nearly 80 years in the Lynde section of Everett. She was educated in the Everett Public School system and spent time as a teacher’s aide at the old Centre School. She took numerous community college courses throughout her life always striving to learn more. Tarvey was a bookkeeper for most of her adult life, assisting in the behind-the-scenes successes of numerous local businesses. She was a trusted and loyal employee and a true asset to each and every employer.
Tarvey was an avid Patriots fan and looked forward each year to football season, even wagering a quarter bet with a friend on occasion! She enjoyed playing games on her computer, always with the desire to keep her mind sharp, as well as watching game shows on TV, especially the ones from yesteryear. In her final years, she even dabbled a bit in painting, with some encouragement from friends. When her eyesight began to fail her, she learned to enjoy the simple pleasures in life – listening to music and audio- books and special drives to the ocean.
Tarvey dedicated her life to her family, many friends, and her unwavering faith. She was loved by all who knew her. She was a good listener, never interrupting, and always putting others’ needs above her own up until the very last day of her life. Tarvey had a kind and generous spirit, and her positive outlook was infectious. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and being part of their individual journeys. She played an integral role in each of their successes in life. She was their inspiration and biggest cheerleader. Tarvey will also be sorely missed by her Florence Cohen Levine and Cambridge Health Alliance families where she was truly blessed and grateful for the wonderful, meaningful friendships she cherished and the special care she received.
Never afraid to face life’s challenges, she fought each and every health battle up to the very end with tremendous strength, never complaining, and never giving up. She was appreciative of the gifts she had been given and shared those gifts generously with all those she encountered, changing their lives for the better. Even in her final moments, her beautiful smile never left her face. She left this earth with dignity, grace, and warmth in her heart. We are certain that she is happy and at peace, among the butterflies that she loved so much, and watching over us every day.
Tarvey is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Heidi Turner of Lynnfield, her adoring daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and David Pressley of Amesbury, and son James Turner of Lynn. She will be dearly missed by her greatest pride and joy, her grand- children: Nicholas and Natalie Turner, David and Noah Pressley, and Andrew Turner. Tarvey is also survived by two sisters, Emilia Cardello and Teresa Ricciardi, and one brother and sister-in-law, Rocco and Rose Ricciardi, all of Everett.
Funeral from the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street, Everett on Tuesday, October 12. Visiting hours will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 am. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow in St. Anthony Church, 46 Oakes Street, Everett at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tarvey’s name. For more in- formation, please visit www. roccofuneralhomes.com.