Turner
CSEA is mourning the loss of union sister Janet Turner, 56, who passed away recently in Newport News, Va.
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 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 Turner, left and Tammy Dawkins, a Group Family Child Care Provider in Albany, at a child care summit in 2016.
“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 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.”
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.
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
