	Turnbull's father died in 1903. She never married, and lived with her mother. When her mother died in 1927, Turnbull moved to a house on Gordon Road in Mosgiel. She lived independently and cared for her hens and vegetables. She became a local celebrity when she became a centenarian. Turnbull was the guest of honour at the 130th anniversary of the East Taieri School and participated in Mosgiel's centenary celebrations. She died on 4 June 1988 at the Ross Home in Dunedin, and was buried at East Taieri Cemetery.