Jean Claire Turcotte

Jean Claire Turcotte, beloved matriarch, educator, philanthropist, and community leader, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born in Victoria, Texas, to Porter S. Garner and Lil Shaw, Jean dedicated her life to service, education, and faith.

A graduate of Martin High School in Laredo, Jean earned both her B.A. and M.A. from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville), and later received a Catholic School Leadership Certificate from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. She married Joseph A. Turcotte in 1957, with whom she shared a loving marriage until his passing in 1982.

Jean’s legacy is deeply rooted in education. A child of educators, her father having served as Director of Federal Programs in Laredo, she served as a teacher and principal at St. Gertrude Catholic School in Kingsville, retiring in 2003 after more than two decades of leadership. Her commitment to Catholic education extended to her work with the Texas Catholic Conference Educational Department, where she served as Accreditation Chairman from 1992 to 2010.

Her faith was central to her life. A devoted member of St. Gertrude Catholic Church, she served as lector, Eucharistic minister, and volunteer. She was active in the Altar & Rosary Society, Parish Council, and led support groups for widows and widowers. Jean co-chaired the parish’s Capital Building Campaign and contributed to long-range planning and development.

Jean’s civic and philanthropic contributions were vast. She served on numerous boards and committees, including:

- Christus Spohn Kleberg Hospital Advisory Board (Chairman, 2008–2012)

- Coastal Bend Community Foundation (Board Member, Scholarship Committee Chair, Vice President)

- Robert J. Kleberg Public Library (Board Member, 1975–Present)

- John G. & Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation (Board Member)

- Communities in Schools (Core Committee Member, Toast & Roast Honoree, 2010)

- Woman’s Club of Kingsville (President, Community Service Chair, Fundraiser Steering Committee, Outstanding Member, Heart of Kingsville Treasurer)

- Kingsville Garden Club

- Kingsville Community Choir (2006–2017)

- Kingsville Action Network (1984–1986)

Jean was a lifelong supporter of Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where she was a Distinguished Alumna (2008), member of the President’s Circle, Legacy Society, Javelina Society, and Javelina Booster Club. She served on the Foundation Board of Trustees, the Legacy Ball Steering Committee, and advisory boards for the College of Education & Human Performance, Early Childhood Development, and the John E. Conner Museum. She also dedicated a music practice room in memory of her father. Herself a talented vocalist, she performed at numerous weddings and functions and her love of song remained with her to the end.

Her honors include:

- Dame Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

- Past Chair of the Bishop’s Guild, Diocese of Corpus Christi

- Catholic Charities Board President (2019–2020)

- Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities (1957, 1958)

- Who’s Who Among Young Women in America (1965)

- South Texas District of Woman’s Clubs Outstanding Member (1984)

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Porter S. Garner and Lil Shaw; her brother, Porter S. Garner Jr.; and her husband, Joseph A. Turcotte.

She is survived by her children, Jeanne Claire McDowell (John), James Garner Turcotte (Paula), William Edgar Turcotte (Christine), Patricia Lynn Hoffman (Richard), and Richard Edward Turcotte (Gwendolyn),

Grandchildren Cecile Caldwell; James Caldwell (Ashley), Andy McDowell (Candace), Kelsey McDowell Machado (Giullo), Clayton Turcotte, Nicholas Turcotte (Erin), Pierce Turcotte, Joseph Turcotte, Jack Carbo, Tyler Carbo, William Hoffman, Oliver Hoffman, Louis Turcotte, Charles Turcotte, and George Turcotte

Great Grandchildren Libby and Ryan McDowell; Luisa and Will Machado, and Anderson and Jean Turcotte, and Harrison and Garner Caldwell.

Jean Claire will be remembered for her unwavering faith, tireless service, and deep love for her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

A rosary will be held at 6 p.m., on Friday, October 10, 2025, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Kingsville. A memorial mass is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church; followed by a reception at the parish hall.