TURTLE, Emogene Marjorie (Hurd, Cornwell)
Dec. 21, 1921 - Aug. 13, 2012
Citrus Heights, CA.

Emogene died peacefully at home in Citrus Heights, CA with her care givers, Rosana & Gary Mead at Helping Hands, Residential Care Facility for the Elderly. She was 90. She is survived by her sister Leona Guastavino of Jamestown, CA; daughter Mindy Cecchettini (Wayne) of Sloughhouse, CA; grandchildren Cheryl Stonebraker and Richard Davis; great-grandchildren Brieanna, Jennifer, Thaddeus, Pierce Joseph, and Catherine; nieces Adriana and Valerie, nephews Eric and Mark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter C. Turtle. A special thank you from the family to the Meads and Nochae Park for their wonderful care extended to Emogene during her last years of life.

Emogene was born in Carlin, NV to Marvin Dewey Hurd and Malinda (Suhr) Hurd. She graduated from Oakland High School 1939 and pursued a career in professional music, performing with the San Francisco Opera Co., Pacific Opera Co., and the San Carlo Opera Co.; secular and religious music performed at clubs, organizations, numerous churches and Jewish synagogues in the San Francisco and Bay Area. She performed under the names of Emogene Hurd and Emogene Cornwell. She moved to Sacramento in 1959 and continued her music career by teaching voice, guitar and piano.

She was a member of the Order of Jobs Daughters Bethel #1 in Oakland, CA; and the Christian Science Church in Sacramento CA.

Emogene and husband Walter enjoyed traveling to France, England, Panama Canal, Canada and the Hawaiian Islands. She loved gardening, especially roses, gladiolas and herbs.

Thank you mom, for your gift of music that was enjoyed by all!

At her request, no services will be held. Donations can be made in her name to the San Francisco Opera Guild, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102, Attn: Susan Malott, Managing Director.

Emogene's ashes are interred at Camellia Memorial Lawn, 10221 Jackson Road, Sacramento, CA, with those of her husband's.