The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is saddened to report the passing of Marie T. Turner, a long-time member of the MWRA Board of Directors.

Ms. Turner served four terms on the 11-member Board since 1996 representing the Town of Winthrop. She was re-appointed to her current term by the Winthrop Town Council in February 2011.

Even before her tenure on the MWRA Board, Ms. Turner was a passionate advocate for the Town during the planning and construction of the new Deer Island Treatment Facilities in the 1980s and 1990s, working to ensure that the host community of the massive plant was treated fairly.

As a member of the Board, she continued to look out for the interests of the community and one of her priorities was to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the plant so that it never again slid back into a pattern of neglect.

She was a strong supporter of MWRA staff and they, in turn, held her in highest regard. In May 2004, she was honored her with her own street on Deer Island – Marie Turner Way.
 
Prior to her retirement, Ms. Turner served as Chairman of the Winthrop Board of Selectmen and was a member of that Board for a number of years.

She served in town government for over 35 years, having held positions as Secretary, Winthrop Pollution Control Committee; Assistant Treasurer; Administrative Secretary; Elected Town Clerk; and Elected Selectperson.

Services are being arranged by Caggiano Funeral Home in Winthrop.