Elizabeth Turner Chilson

Elizabeth (Turner) Chilson, a native and resident of Elmira, New York passed away on May 3, 2024. She was 94.

She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband Lawrence Chilson; her parents James and Helen (Sheehan) Turner; her brothers - James Turner and wife Joann  and William Turner; her sisters – Maryjane Ruggiero and husband Nellio, Carolyn Kolb and husband Larry, and Ellen Baker; and her brother-in-law  Edwin Berman.

She is survived by: her children – Wade Chilson, David Chilson and wife Kelli, Brian Chilson and wife Janet, and Catherine Todd and husband Richard; her grandchildren – Rachel Redder and husband Frankie Formicola, Eric Todd, Helen Todd, Kevin Todd, and Daniel Chilson; her great-grandchildren – Alaina Redder and Ethan Redder; her sister Rose Berman; her brother-in-law Robert Baker; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Elizabeth (“Liz”) was educated at Southside High School and completed her training as a Registered Nurse at Binghamton City Hospital. She started her nursing career in St. Petersburg, Florida and, after returning to Elmira, worked at St Joseph’s Hospital before becoming an industrial nurse at Eclipse Machine Company, where she met her husband, Larry.

Following their marriage, she returned to nursing at St Joseph’s and then at the Chemung County Head Start Program. While there, she returned to education and gained a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Elmira College, graduating in 1975. She went on to work at the Elmira Psychiatric Center.  One of her proudest professional achievements was being a recognized member of the team that piloted the Nurse Family Partnership in Elmira, previously known as PIEP, which is now a nationally recognized organization serving low-income first-time mothers and their families. She also went on to work for Family Services of Chemung County, supporting families experiencing domestic violence.

In her spare time, and particularly after retirement, she enjoyed reading and watching classic movies. She amassed a library consisting of a broad range of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction, and you name the movie - she knew all the stars. She watched Jeopardy! every night and, in her prime, could have given the best champions a run for their money! She was always cheerful, having a song for any situation, and was generous with her time and money to her family and strangers. Her only ‘vice’ appeared to be a love of chocolate!

Friends and family are invited to calling hours from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. Services will resume the following day, Saturday, May 11, 2024 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 224 Franklin St, Elmira, NY 14904 with burial to follow at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery.

Please visit https://www.elmiracatholic.org/stream/ to watch a livestream broadcast of the funeral service.