Marian Hall Turchiano
Marian Hall Turchiano, aged 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Garden View Care Center.
Born on July 18, 1932 in Benton, Il. Marian was well noted as a professional entertainer in the 1950’s and 60’s singing and dancing with a group she helped create, “Debbie and the Diplomats,” – Debbie being her stage name. Recordings of the group can still be found online.
Marian later owned a Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New York, where she spent much of her adult life before returning to Missouri in 2004. She loved gardening and interior decorating, and faithfully kept in touch with her family and friends until the end.
Marian is proceeded in death by her beloved husband Frank Turchiano, her mother Mildred Hall, her father A.D. Hall, and her sister Melody Hall Frost. She is survived by her brother in law, Dewey Frost, her nieces Robin Frost Medcalf, and Kelly Frost Eiceman, and nephew Brad Frost along with their spouses and families. She is to be buried next to her mother at a small family cemetery located in Duquoin, Illinois. Marian is lovingly remembered, and she will be dearly missed.
I work in the nursing home Marian resided at. She was my super star. That was my nickname for her due to the career in entertainment she had. Gosh, what a life. Sometimes I would play the song Burning the Torch for her. She made that song during her time with Debbie and the Diplomats. When I played it for her the first time, she was so happy. She hadn’t heard the song in many years. One time we played it in a big group setting and she felt so honored. She even gave a little thank you speech. She had a beautiful voice. Marian was always so kind and gentle spirited. She took joy in any activity she came to and any interaction she had with somebody. Knowing Marian was an absolute pleasure. She will be missed. Even though she is gone, we can always hear her voice by listening to her music. My deepest condolences to Robin and the rest of the family. May Marian’s memory be a blessing. May she rest in peace. So long super star. Enjoy the stage in heaven.