In Memoriam – Karen Turinia

With much sadness, I share news of the death of a member of our community, Karen Turinia.  With her sister and her daughter by her side, Karen peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, January 19. She is survived by her son, Thomas Godley; her daughter, Kristine Godley, who is a staff member in our Social Sciences division; and her grandson, Tanner.

During her 25-year career at UC Santa Cruz, Karen was a steadfast supporter of our students. Originally arriving on campus in 1987 to support then Student Services Vice Chancellor Bruce Moore, Karen went on to provide executive leadership support for two additional Student Affairs vice chancellors. Karen's positive energy, bright smile, and the enthusiasm with which she worked was infectious for all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by our community.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, at the Mission Memorial Park in Seaside, located at 1915 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside, CA 93955. A "Celebration of Life" gathering will also take place at UCSC in the University Center Terra Fresca restaurant at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Karen's memory to the Filipino Student Association to help support our students, about whom she deeply cared. Donations may be made payable to the "UCSC Foundation" and sent to University Relations, Attn: Kathy Rouhier, with a notation for the Filipino Student Association in memory of Karen Turinia.

Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and students with whom she worked.