It is with profound sadness that the Turtle, Sills, and LiCalzi families announce the passing of Rosanne “Ro” M. (LiCalzi) Turtle, wife of Edward F. Turtle, who passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on December 4, 1957, Ro was the daughter of Eleanor (Molloy) LiCalzi and the late Nicholas J. LiCalzi. She grew up in Yeadon, PA with her two brothers, Joseph and Anthony, and spent her childhood surrounded by a large, but close-knit, group of aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.
From an early age, she knew her life’s calling was to be an artist and her creative spirit carried her through each day. Whether it was painting, drawing, or just a quick scribble, there wasn’t a sheet of paper or piece of furniture that was safe from her artistic abilities. Throughout her life, her art remained one of her greatest passions and the world is undoubtedly a more beautiful place because of her talents.
To Ro, there was no greater love than her family. Married to her husband, Ed, for nearly 40 years they shared an enviable love built on sarcasm, laughter, and her always having the last word. Settling in Boyertown, PA, they raised their two children, Michael Lynn (Pean) and Eddie (Spud). Ro was forever proud of her children, touting them as “her greatest accomplishments”, and their biggest cheerleader in all aspects of life. Although, her “furry son”, Benny Boo, was arguably her favorite child. While her children always came first, it was her grandbabies that were the biggest lights of her life. Fondly known as “RoRo”, she showered Callaway and Ella Mae with more love than imaginable.
She created a home that was a true reflection of her enormous heart and generous soul, with the door always open and an extra chair always available at the kitchen counter for anyone that may have needed or wanted it. While Ro was an exceptional artist, she did not let that outshine her abilities in the kitchen. Her homemade gravy and spaghetti and meatballs were, without a doubt, her defining and most requested meal.
Although her departure from this world came far too soon, Ro’s legacy will live on for years to come through her husband; her son Eddie Turtle Jr., fiancé of Claire Engle; daughter Michael Lynn, wife of AJ Sills; mother Eleanor LiCalzi; brother Joseph LiCalzi, husband of Amy; brother Anthony LiCalzi, husband of Anjeannette; grandchildren Callaway and Ella Mae Sills; nephew Nicholas LiCalzi; niece Arianna LiCalzi; as well as a large and beloved network of extended family and dear friends.
To honor the life she lived, a memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 11:00AM at St. Columbkill Church (200 Indian Spring Rd, Boyertown, PA 19512) with Fr. Rich Clement officiating. A visitation with the family will be held in advance from 9:30-11:00AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rosanne’s name to The American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/) or to St. Columbkill Church.