March 21, 1941 —

Oct. 14, 2014

Elizabeth Gordon was born in Kansas City, Mo., March 21, 2014, to Arthur F. Gordon and Innes Hereford Gordon of Odessa, Mo.

She attended public schools in Odessa and continued her education at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., receiving her bachelor’s degree in June 1962. She was employed by the Department of State in the nation’s capitol as a management analyst specializing in West Africa.

Elizabeth met her husband-to-be in 1964 in Georgetown. On Jan. 22, 1965, she was married to Anthony Turpin in Coupeville, Wash. Upon his release from active service in the U.S. Navy, she moved to Los Angeles and was employed by the Social Security Administration in Hollywood.

The couple returned to Oak Harbor, Wash., and built their home in 1967.

Elizabeth was a caseworker for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services from 1968 to 1996.

Their first son, Daniel Alexander Turpin, was born in 1970, followed by Andrew Gordon Turpin, born in 1975 — both in Coupeville, Wash.

Throughout her life, she was active in the community and was instrumental in forming the organization that became the Community Resources Network. An advocate for those in need, she expressed her concern both in her work and as a volunteer. Most recently, she served as a board member for New Leaf.

Elizabeth and her husband traveled extensively following her retirement. They spent many months in Italy each year and resided in the town of Torgiano in the province of Umbria. She is survived by her husband, Anthony Turpin, of Oak Harbor, and her sons and their wives. Also, her brother, John, his wife, Rosalie, and many nieces and nephews hold her dear in their hearts.

Her seven grandchildren were, and are, the light of her life.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested in Elizabeth’s name to New Leaf, 660 SE Fidalgo St., Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com