Celebrating the life of Patricia Turnier
Patricia Turnier, long time resident of Laguna Beach, CA, passed away on May 19, 2023, at 86 years old. She passed in peace after a long battle with leukemia.
Patricia was an artist, avid reader, lover of nature and politics, art collector, and world traveler. She lived an adventurous and independent life. Her family has a rich history in Laguna Beach. Her father Van Childs and her uncle Roy Childs, started The Pottery Shack, which they operated together for many years. Patricia would often recall how the property next door used to be a turkey farm, and how, as a young girl, her father paid her 50 cents an hour to dust pottery, a task she said she did not enjoy.
Patricia joined the Air Force after graduating from Fullerton High School, and served for four years as a statistician in the air weather division. She returned to California and graduated from the University of California Irvine in 1970 with a Bachelor’s of Arts.
Over the years, Patricia participated in many juried shows and exhibits. Her works consist of oil and acrylic paintings, mixed media, and ceramic sculpture. She served on the board at the Laguna Art Museum, and valued the importance of the museum in the community.
Patricia was previously married to Richard Challis, who owned Challis Galleries in Laguna Beach. Later she married Robert Turnier, an electrical engineer, and settled in her permanent home in Laguna Beach, where their son Chris was born. She focused on her art and helped her husband manage their rental properties. After she and Robert separated, she began traveling the world.
Patricia traveled to 54 countries in total, and visited many exotic cultures. She loved collecting unique artifacts and artwork on her travels. Much of her private collection of primitive art is from her trips. Patricia always had a passion for reading. Her day always started with the LA Times. She would often read two or three books a week.
Patricia will be missed by her family and the community she has called home for over 60 years.
