Evelyn Ann (Knopick) Turk, 84, of Saltsburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 9, 1940, in Iselin, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Anna (Marafka) Knopick.
A 1958 graduate of the former Elders Ridge High School, Evelyn was a proud cheerleader for four years and an active part of her school community. After graduation, she worked at Homer City Bank and at Brody’s Department Store in Indiana. On May 30, 1964 she married James R. Turk and this union would last for more than 60 years. During their marriage, they had six children, who were Evelyn‘s pride and joy.
Evelyn’s catholic faith was an important part of her life. Growing up in Iselin, she was as an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. In addition to helping with church functions, Evelyn sang in the church choir enlightening parishioners with her exceptional singing voice. She assisted with church functions, played softball for the church team, and was a member of Ladies Sodality. Later in life, she was a devoted member of Saint Matthew Roman Catholic Church in Saltsburg.
To know Evelyn was to know kindness. She had a gift for conversation—whether with close friends or complete strangers, who quickly became friends. She enjoyed communicating with family and friends. One of her favorite activities was writing greeting cards to loved ones. Most remember her heartfelt messages and her beautiful handwriting.
Her greatest joy was her family. As a devoted wife and mother, she dedicated herself to her six children. Evelyn spent countless hours driving her children to school activities, events, and competitions. She was a homeroom PTA mother when her children were young. She was their biggest supporter, always present with love and encouragement.
Evelyn also enjoyed traveling to her children’s colleges and universities throughout the years. She especially enjoyed visiting Penn State University and attending football games with her daughter, Jill and family.
Evelyn had a passion for travel, creating cherished family memories on trips to New York City, Cape May, Cape Cod, Florida, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Mackinac Island, Kiawah Island, Charleston, Chicago, the Midwest and many other places. Some of her most special visits were to the White House with her family, arranged by her brother William, who was a Captain in the Secret Service.
Evelyn enjoyed collecting antique furniture, cooking and baking for her family, tending to her flowers, working around the home and decorating during the holidays. She never passed up a chance to go polka dancing.
Evelyn will be deeply missed by her husband, James, and their loving children: Bradley J. Turk (Corinne) of Ocala, FL; Jill A. Turk of Atlanta, GA; Dr. Betsy A. Turk of Kearney, NE; Edward T. Turk (Dr. Melanie Turk) of Pittsburgh; and James D. Turk and Steven D. Turk, both of Saltsburg. She is also survived by her sisters, Eileen M. Knopick of Derry and Jean McHenry of Iselin, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William Knopick, and her sister Dorothy Parchinsky.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 21, from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory of Indiana (965 Philadelphia St.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 AM at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church in Indiana, with Capuchin Father Jonathan Ulrick officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery.
Evelyn’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be remembered always. Through her life, she spread much love and leaves a legacy of being a kind, generous, loving and caring person.
Memorial donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: rbfh.net .
