Eva Alice Turner
Place of Birth: Berlin, Germany
Place of Death: Santa Barbara, CA
Eva Alice Turner passed away on Monday, May 18th 2026 at the age of 97 in her home in Santa Barbara, surrounded by loved ones.
Eva was born in Berlin, Germany but her family quickly moved back to their home in Hungary in 1932. Being a Hungarian Jew, Eva’s childhood was heavily impacted by World War II and the Holocaust. Over the next several years, Eva and her brother along with both of their parents were able to escape the war and make their way to Los Angeles where a new and exciting life began.
In LA, Eva met her love, Russell Turner. Together they had 3 beautiful children. In 1969, they moved to Santa Barbara and established roots in this beautiful town. Eva faced unbearable pain within her life, losing family during the Holocaust and losing her youngest son, Johnny, in 1996. Her unwavering strength and resilience pushed her forward and she was the matriarch of our family, the glue always holding us together.
Eva approached life with an open mind and a caring heart. She welcomed a challenge, was non-judgemental, an avid reader, a theater-goer, and a jeopardy shark. Eva was the definition of a social butterfly. She was an animal and ocean lover. Eva was a staunch Democrat, cheerleading and advocating for progression.
Eva wasn’t a fierce competitor but she faced life with a fierce perspective. She was a lifelong learner, receiving her MFCC at the age of 42. She spoke Hungarian, English, Hebrew, German, and French. Eva enriched the lives of those around her through her endless stories, her undying wit, and her remarkable sense of humor.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents, Andre and Ilona Zsoldos, her brother Steven Zoldos, her husband Russ Turner, and their son Johnny Turner. She is survived by her son Jim, daughter Julie, and step daughter Cheri; her 5 grandchildren Gavan, Michelle, Andrew, Emily, and Michael; her 4 great grandchildren Forest, Sierra, Mellia and Zaden.
A celebration of Eva’s life will be held later in the summer. If you would like information, please email us at ‘celebratingevaturner@gmail.com.’
Though she will be greatly missed, she has left us with her stories. She has left us with her laughter. She has left us with her love. Her memory will reside in our hearts and in our minds forever. We miss you everyday, Grandma. Mom. Grandmama. Auntie. Friend. Eva Alice Zsoldos Turner – A true legend.
