• Email a friend
• Create a page like this
• Click here to bookmark this page

Blossom M. Turk LPC, Ed.D. (Dr. Blossom), age 83, passed away in Portland, Oregon on December 28, 2017. She was born July 3, 1934 in New York City to Joseph and Anna (Resnick) Turk. Blossom graduated cum laude from the City University of New York, earned her master’s degree in history from San Francisco State University, received her counselor’s certificate at (Albertson) College of Idaho and earned her doctorate in educational administration at the University of Idaho. Blossom had been a classroom teacher, counselor and public school administrator. Blossom began her career in the Boise School District as a history teacher at North Junior High. She was a teacher, counselor and vice principal at Borah High School, principal at Hillside Junior High School and spent her last 10 years in the district as principal of Boise High School. After retiring from the Boise School District, Blossom became the founding executive director of the Lee Pesky Learning Center in 1996. From the words of a colleague, “She planted the seed in the ground of what is now one of the leading facilities in the country benefiting those with learning disabilities.” She resigned her position at the LPLC in 2000 and moved to Portland, Oregon to be with family.

For eight years, Blossom’s weekly advice column, “Talking About Kids” appeared in the pages of the Idaho Statesman. The column offered advice and commentary on issues and problems confronted by teens and their parents. Blossom published three books. She authored “Living with Teens” and co-authored “Moving Out Into the World” and “Building a Positive Self-Concept”. Throughout her extensive career as an educator, counselor and administrator, Blossom has touched thousands and left a lasting impression on their hearts and minds. To quote a few of the many that Blossom has had an impact, “She was one of the most respected leaders of Education in Idaho.”, “As with many who were her students and who worked with her, she holds a sweet and important place in my heart.”, “A vibrant, bright woman who was a true inspiration.”, “A significant person in my life, a source of inspiration and enthusiasm, professionally and personally.”, “She shaped me into the person I am today.”, “She was a legend in Idaho educational circles and revered by all who knew her.”

In her own words, Blossom wrote, “I choose not to have a “funeral” or a public memorial service. Hopefully, the positive and loving ways in which I have touched those whom I have been connected to or involved with personally and/or professionally will serve as a continuous living memorial to my time on this planet.” We all know this to be true as Blossom will live on through us, and continue through those we touch, and her legacy passes to generations to come.

Blossom Turk is survived by her two sons, Jed Schlanger (Laura Schwartz) and Gregg Schlanger (Monica Quattrochio) and her four grandchildren, Zachary, Zoe, Marilyn and Annie.

As a breast cancer survivor, Blossom developed Alzheimer's disease several years ago and spend her last year in memory care in Portland.