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.