Roxanne L. Turturro

Roxanne Lee Turturro, 67 of Brownville, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2024. Roxanne was born in Watertown, NY on March 7, 1957, to the late Michael F. Turturro and Ileen Walrath.

Roxanne attended Watertown High School and studied practical nursing at BOCES. In May 1976 she married Peter Smithers at Emanuel Congregational Church in Watertown. The marriage ended in divorce, but the couple remained friends. Roxanne accomplished the difficult task of going back to school later in life and obtained an associate degree in science from Suny Jefferson. Then she went onto obtain both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Syracuse University, graduating in 1996 with a MSW and completing certification to become a LCSW.

Roxanne had a tumultuous and difficult childhood and was dedicated to healing others who had lived with trauma. As a mental health professional, she guided patients to healing and peace for over twenty-five years. Resilient and hard-working, she overcame adversity and taught others they could do the same.  She worked with adolescents, teens, Native Americans, Army Base youth and many more communities. She has lived in Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Georgia and Connecticut.  In 2017, Roxanne returned to Jefferson County; to be home, to be with family. Throughout her career and life, she was always giving back; as a practical nurse she visited the sick and elderly in their homes, and volunteered for the Red Cross blood banks. She worked for many agencies and mental health centers, including North Country Family Health Center and was employed at Soho MD for the last three years– seeing patients virtually.

Always striving to learn more, do more, and to help people and never resting on her laurels, Roxanne studied and became a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master and recently completed Sound Bath Healing certification. She was conducting healing sessions here in the North Country at Sound & Motion Wellness through NNY Massage Inc. 

A tireless advocate for women, children and animals, Roxanne was a true empath who worked to make the world a kinder place. She understood that everyone must be present in their own lives. She loved nature, reading, gardening, being in the water (paddle boarding), cats, sewing, photography and once even raised goats! She was fiercely independent, while still being there for anyone who needed her.

She was a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, a healer, a confidante, a diplomat, a niece, a survivor and so much more.

Roxanne is survived by her children Melissa (Smithers) Lee of Watertown, Matthew Smithers of Clayton, her two grandchildren Mason Kubis (13) and Melina Lee (10). Star Shaffer was her daughter too and Roxanne considered her two children, Destiny and Samantha, also grandchildren. Surviving Siblings: Pamela Turturro, Watertown, John Langsford, Arizona, Nancy Wearne-Navarra (Joe), Watertown, James “Frank” Wearne, Watertown, Sandra “Sam” Wearne, Tammy and Timothy Wearne, Syracuse. Several nieces and nephews and lots of cousins and two aunts. She is predeceased by her parents, brothers Michael Turturro, Stephen Wearne, Harold Langsford, sister Patricia Turturro and nephew Angelo Turturro.

To honor Roxanne, you can donate to the Jefferson County SPCA. https://www.jeffersoncountyspca.org/donate

Arrangements are with D.L. Calraco Funeral Home, Inc. Watertown

A Celebration of Life for Roxanne will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11 am at Sally View Port

https://www.sallyportview.com/

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