Blossom Michelle Turk

1934 - 2017

Blossom Michelle Turk obituary, 1934-2017, Hillsboro, OR

Blossom Turk Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 3, 2018.

Blossom M. Turk LPC, Ed.D. (Dr. Blossom), age 83, passed away in Portland, Oregon on December 28, 2017. She was born July 3, 1934 in New York City to Joseph and Anna (Resnick) Turk. Blossom graduated cum laude from the City University of New York, earned her master's degree in history from San Francisco State University, received her counselor's certificate at (Albertson) College of Idaho and earned her doctorate in educational administration at the University of Idaho. Blossom had been a classroom teacher, counselor and public school administrator. Blossom began her career in the Boise School District as a history teacher at North Junior High. She was a teacher, counselor and vice principal at Borah High School, principal at Hillside Junior High School and spent her last 10 years in the district as principal of Boise High School. After retiring from the Boise School District, Blossom became the founding executive director of the Lee Pesky Learning Center in 1996. From the words of a colleague, "She planted the seed in the ground of what is now one of the leading facilities in the country benefiting those with learning disabilities." She resigned her position at the LPLC in 2000 and moved to Portland, Oregon to be with family.

For eight years, Blossom's weekly advice column, "Talking About Kids" appeared in the pages of the Idaho Statesman. The column offered advice and commentary on issues and problems confronted by teens and their parents. Blossom published three books. She authored "Living with Teens" and co-authored "Moving Out Into the World" and "Building a Positive Self-Concept." Throughout her extensive career as an educator, counselor and administrator, Blossom touched thousands and left a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.

In her own words, Blossom wrote, "I choose not to have a 'funeral' or a public memorial service. Hopefully, the positive and loving ways in which I have touched those whom I have been connected to or involved with personally and/or professionally will serve as a continuous living memorial to my time on this planet." We all know this to be true as Blossom will live on through us, and continue through those we touch, and her legacy passes to generations to come.

Blossom Turk is survived by her two sons, Jed Schlanger (Laura) and Gregg Schlanger (Monica) and her four grandchildren, Zack, Zoe, Marilyn and Annie.
As a breast cancer survivor, Blossom developed Alzheimer's disease several years ago and spent her last year in memory care in Portland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/Blossom or the American Cancer Society at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Blossom .

Her family hopes to hold a celebration of life event in Boise late July 2018. Exact Location, Date, and Time TBD. Once final plans are in place it will be posted at: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Blossom-Turk&lc=9588&pid=187706311&uuid=b5a4a7ce-0948-4e17-903b-f95aea4b2ed1

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park - Portland Memorial Park and Mortuary.

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February 2, 2018

Our deepest condolences to Jed and Gregg. Blossom was as a fine human being as a human being can be. We will always treasure the moments we spent with her in Boise and in Portland, the love, happiness, and wisdom she always had. The world would be a much more better place if we had more people like her.
The Portland Sewards (Jeff and Maria)

January 24, 2018

Judy (Bright) Van Cleave

Ms. Blossom Turk was one of my most treasured and influenctial teachers. I had the good fortune of being in her first history class at North Junior High after her family moved to Boise. She brought her special presence and touch to our lives, opening doors and windows of thought that produced profound paradigm shifts in our perception of the world in which we lived. She was a powerful breath of fresh air. Indeed, she has left behind many living memorials . . . those who carry within them the memory of grace and charm with which she so indelibly touched our lives. Godspeed in your eternal journey, Blossom!
My deepest gratitude to you, and my heartfelt condolences to your beloveds,
Judy (Bright) Van Cleave

January 22, 2018

Valerie Brooks

Mrs. Turk was my history teacher at North back in '68. She planted the seeds of not only history but of political involvement (she had us manage a mock presidential campaign). From that year on I could not wait to have the ability to vote. Each year I think of her when I enter the voting booth and say a little "Thanks for the education wherever you are Mrs. Turk!" She had the ability to bring history to life. To help us immerse in the learning process and come out of her class understanding history and well- prepared for the future. My condolences to her family. They can be so very proud of her accomplishments. I was honored to be in her class and watch her throughout her career in the Boise School District. She was a classy lady.

January 21, 2018

Alyson Lowder Heyrend

Blossom remains the most extraordinary teacher of my life. She was an inspiration to so many young women about how you could do everything well. I'll never forget her laugh and beautifully expressive hands. Borah High School Humanities could never be better than when she and Fern co-taught it. Deepest sympathies to Jed and Gregg and your families.

January 21, 2018

Judith Allan

Blossom was many things to many people. Mostly, she was an advocate to all. She promoted good ideas, fairness, meeting challenges, and enjoying life as it happens. Her flashing smile and eyes and quick hearty laughter will long be remembered, as will her friendship and guidance.

l'chaim

Judith Allan

January 21, 2018

Sandra Hancock

My Condolences to Greg, Your mom was a Nice Lady I remember her well from school at Both north & Boise High
Sandra Hancock

January 20, 2018

Linda Clark-Santos

Blossom was a true trailblazer for women leaders. She was thoughtful, kind, witty, brilliant, brave and sometimes irreverent. She was an inspiration to many, including me. A one-of-kind icon has passed. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

January 20, 2018

Janet Baldridge

I had Mrs. Turk for History at North Jr. High. She was a wonder teacher and delightful person. My condolences to the family...

January 18, 2018

Sydney Youngerman-Cole

Blossom was a guiding force and good friend to me when I really needed one. I fondly remember her laughter, her wisdom, and her grace.

January 18, 2018

Gretchen Anderson

Dear beautiful family of Blossom's,

As a young reporter, I interviewed Blossom many times. She stood out! She was tough and smart. At the same time, she always afforded me kindness and respect. All this, set the stage for a lasting friendship, while she was here in Boise.

She was a true gem!

Love, light and positive energy go out to you all at this time. She was a GREAT lady!

January 15, 2018

George Cox

Blossom was a true pleasure to work with while I taught at Boise High School. She was always positive and strived to have people around her who who were positive and put students first. She made teaching exciting and rewarding. As a coach she was always interested in the student athletes accomplishments and their roll in being good role models. To her family she was a blessing to so many!!

January 13, 2018

Coworker

Carolyn Panko

Blossom was a model of excellence in the field of education in Boise. She was responsible for my addition to the Boise High School faculty during her tenure as principal. Blossom had high standards for students and staff alike. It was truly a pleasure for me to be a part of the faculty family. We wished her well on the occasion of her retirement from that portion of her long and productive life. I well remember her smile and her expressive dark eyes. Godspeed.

January 13, 2018

Wilma Jones-Luke

"To Blossom Turk's Family: I am experiencing a deep sorrow today to learn of Blossom's passing. Words can not express the loss to me, personally, of a devoted friend of many years. My heart goes out to all of you."
Wilma Jones-Luke.

January 4, 2018

Toni Ormiston

What an amazing woman, she was my teacher and also a forever friend. Thank you for everything you did that helped mold my life. Sending love & hugs to your family.

January 2, 2018

Pam Watson

I have the most special memories of Blossom; my movie buddie, my confidant, my loving supporter at the most dire time in my life. She simply was the most amazing human being. Now, I can't say that she was the best driver, but oh well! Loved and admired her to the end.

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