Elizabeth "Liz" (Edwards) Turcotte

Elizabeth “Liz” Turcotte, entered into rest on January 27, 2026. Born in New Haven, a daughter of Judith Guy Edwards and the late Henry J. Edwards, she lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and deep love for her family and animals.

Liz leaves her devoted and heartbroken husband David Turcotte; sisters Nordica Scholis (Tom), Jennifer Edwards (Chris Droppers), Cynthia Leonard, and Sarah Ota (Kevin); brother, Henry J. Edwards; as well as nine nieces and eight nephews who brought her endless joy, and who were always in her thoughts and heart.

Liz grew up in Hamden, attending Spring Glenn School and Sleeping Giant Junior High School, and later Mt. Anthony Union High School in Bennington, Vermont. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Southern Connecticut State University.

From a young age, Liz was hardworking and dependable, helping in many of her parents’ businesses, beginning with Dunkin’ Donuts in downtown Bennington. She later built a career in accounting, working for several local businesses in New Haven County, including Don Levy Fashions and Southern New England Telephone.

Liz was known for her remarkable typing skills and her willingness to help others, often typing school papers for family and friends and business documents for her father.

One of Liz’s greatest joys was caring for animals. Over the years she lovingly cared for so many cats — Louis, Blackie, Bo, Rudy, Reggie, Abby, Rex, Claus, Clarence, Jenny, Sasha, Ruthie, and Turbo — and never turned away a stray in need. Together with her husband Dave, they built heated shelters and provided comfort and safety to numerous outdoor cats. Liz also looked out for neighborhood wildlife, always making sure the birds and squirrels were well fed.

Family meant everything to Liz. She delighted in sending elaborate birthday and holiday packages to her nieces and nephews and treasured receiving photos and updates about their lives. Well known for her generous spirit she insisted on paying for lunch and then enjoying shopping trips afterwards. She had a sweet tooth especially for chocolate, Manischewitz fruit slices, baked goods of all kinds, peanut butter cookies, and strawberry shortcake.

Liz will be remembered for her warm heart, her compassion, her love of animals, and her unwavering devotion to family.  She remains forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at the West Haven Funeral Home, 662 Savin Avenue, West Haven, Connecticut, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Branford Compassion Club, 2037 Foxon Rd, North Branford, CT 06471 or branfordcompassionclub.org.  To leave an online message for the Turcotte family, please visit our website www.westhavenfuneral.com.

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