Page 14 - Work Force March 2021

CSEA mourns the loss of founding CSEA/VOICE Child Care Local member
CSEA is mourning the loss of
union sister Janet Turner, 56, who passed away recently in Newport News, Va.
and her dedication to early education.
She embraced the idea of having a union of Family Child Care providers right from the beginning in 2002. As a founding member, she recognized the chance for providers to build real power by organizing under the guidance of CSEA.
“Janet became a passionate leader and activist in our union. She sat on both negotiating and contract action teams, eventually becoming the union Chapter Representative for the Capital District. She was a natural union leader,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Her cheerful, positive, yet no-nonsense personality engaged all who worked with her. She was instrumental in many of our successes and made a difference for children and working families across the state.”
“The first day I met Janet was in the early stages of organizing VOICE about 18 years ago. From
Turner, one
of the founding
activists in
CSEA/VOICE who brought child care workers into our union, is lovingly remembered by her husband
of 30 years, James; her brother, stepfather, her “special nieces,”
and many more family and friends, including her brothers and sisters in our CSEA family.
For more than 35 years, Turner ran her Family Child Care Program, “Janet’s Place,” in the heart of Albany, where hundreds of families had the honor and privilege of experiencing her love of children
Turner
Janet Turner, left, discusses child care issues in the Capital Region with Lisa Price, former Nassau Chapter Representative, at a statewide child care board meeting in 2018.
the minute we were introduced, we connected, and she labelled me her ‘new best friend,’” said Pam Wells, CSEA/VOICE Local 100A President. “She made me and other people feel special. I admired her for her honesty, her generosity of time and spirit no matter
how big or small, how dedicated she was to the families she served, the early education
of young children
everywhere and
her commitment
to advocate for
both. She always
made me smile
and brought
warmth to my
heart. Janet
Turner, you were my friend, our union sister and we will miss you.”
Turner was also a woman of faith who was very active in her church. Among other touching sentiments, the Empire Christian Center eloquently wrote, “Janet left an indelible mark on all of us.” This
couldn’t be more true.
A private service was held
for Janet Turner in December at S.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home in Albany.
“I would like to thank CSEA/ VOICE for honoring Janet and
thanks to the first African American, female-owned Funeral Home
in this area run
by Shannon McLaughlin for
her service and all the support I have received,” said James Turner, Janet Turner’s husband.
Janet Turner’s work in our union will impact future
generations. We celebrate her and appreciate her always, as a steward of advocacy and action, sharing compassion, kindness and grace. Rest in Peace, our friend. You will be sorely missed.
— Jill Asencio
14 The Work Force
March 2021
Janet Turner, left and Tammy Dawkins, a Group Family Child Care Provider in Albany, at a child care summit in 2016.
“Her cheerful, positive, yet no-nonsense personality engaged all who worked with her. She was instrumental in many of our successes and made a difference for children and working families across the state.”