Andrea Louise Turnipseed

Andrea Louise Turnipseed passed away peacefully in Salinas, California on December 2, 2021 from a non-Covid related illness. She was born on September 18, 1962 in Bakersfield, California to Anna and Wayne Turnipseed. Andrea grew up on the family farm in Earlimart and attended local schools. She graduated from Delano High School in 1980 and then CSU Long Beach in 1984. After working as a Dispatcher for the Delano Police Department, she returned to school and received her degree and teaching credential from CSU Bakersfield in 1995.

Andrea was a passionate person. She was a dedicated teacher for over 25 years in Kern and Monterey Counties. She was proud to be an “old school” kind of teacher who expected effort from each of her students. In reward, her students received a solid education to carry with them in the future. She was a die-hard Raiders and Yankees fan. She was known by her Delano classmates as the quintessential reunion planner. The last one, a belated 40th, was recently held on October 16, 2021 where she enjoyed the evening with her longtime friends. Andrea loved all games of chance, especially blackjack and sporting events. She also loved spending time in Las Vegas trying her luck. Andrea enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events and concerts. She took great delight crossing off adventures from her “bucket list.” She was very proud of her Croatian heritage and never missed 4th of July at the American Slavonic Social Club in Delano.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved Godparents Margaret and Martin Zaninovich. She is survived by her aunts Winnie Pandol and Audrey Zaninovich and numerous cousins. Andrea leaves behind siblings Michael (Nancy) Turnipseed, David (Joanne) Turnipseed, and Marianne (Alan) Keathley along with six nieces and nephews and six grand nieces and nephews. In addition, Andrea will be dearly missed by a large community of friends, colleagues and former students, especially her lifelong friend Frances Escobar and husband Ken Hennessee.

Services will be Monday, December 20, 2021 at 9 a.m. with a Rosary and Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1800 Bedford Way, Bakersfield, California. Burial to follow at North Kern District Cemetery, 627 Austin Street, Delano, California

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 300 Baker Street