Cruising Couple Adored Classic Cars and Charity

The late Robert and Sonia "Sunny" Turnquist of Morris Township, New Jersey, spent many hours during their 55-year marriage enjoying a mutual love of classic cars and devotion to local charitable organizations. After their passing, the Turnquist estate was earmarked to allocate a generous gift from the Turnquist Family Foundation and a bequest to benefit the Pain Management Center at Morristown Medical Center.

The Pain Management Center's nationally recognized physicians create individualized treatment plans to help patients control their pain and function to the best of their abilities in daily living. The Turnquists' philanthropy allowed for the purchase of recliners for the recovery area, new waiting room furniture and a second radiofrequency machine, which helps reduce chronic pain without reducing nerve function.

"The specialized chairs with footrests enable our patients to wait comfortably for their appointments," Beverly Natale, director of clinical services for Morristown Medical Center, said. "Recliners and relaxing waiting room furniture support our goal to create a friendly environment that feels like home. We strive for patients to not only physically feel better, but we also work toward addressing the mental and emotional aspects of treating pain, focusing on all aspects of a patient's well-being."

The improvements led to the Pain Management Center's recent top one-percentile rating nationally in the "Overall and Likelihood to Recommend" category based on patient feedback surveys administered through Press Ganey.

"We are so proud of this achievement," Natale said. "It's the best you can get."

While the Turnquists' devotion to Morristown Medical Center as Brookfield Legacy Society members was far-reaching, they also found time to support other organizations, giving to the Morris Museum and several classic car organizations.

Robert Turnquist launched the Classic Car Club of America in 1952 and was its first president, serving for six years. The Packard was his car of choice to collect, restore and show at various classic car shows. Sunny Turnquist accompanied her husband as they traveled the country.

Their legacy grew over the years, becoming as classic as the cars they adored.

Contact Cynthia W. O'Donnell, JD, at 973.593.2418 or cynthia.odonnell@atlantichealth.org to learn more about the benefits of legacy giving.