Lila M. Thorpe

Dover, NH; Lila M. Thorpe, 75, of 906 Central Ave., died Sunday March 13, 2005 at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

She was born May 26, 1929 in McKeeseport, PA the daughter of John A. and Hilda L. (Baker) Brown where she grew up.

After graduating from high school, she went on to graduate from Clarion State Teacher’s College in Pennsylvania.

She taught High School for several years until marrying Paul Thorpe, a military man in 1954.

Ten years after marrying and raising seven children, Mrs. Thorpe returned to teaching in Portsmouth, Rhode Island at the middle school where she taught English and Physical Education.

In 1982, she and her family settled in Dover after traveling extensively throughout the United States and the world during her husband’s military career.

While in Dover, Mrs. Thorpe worked for several years at Measured Progress (formerly Advanced Systems) and also worked as a media assistant and a public relations person.

She was a member of the First Parish Congregational Church She was a member of the Dover Emblem Club and several military wives’ organizations including the Officers’ Wives Club.

She was a loving and caring woman who loved being surrounded by her children and her grandchildren. She enjoyed her trips to the Mohegan Sun, enjoyed playing Bingo and visiting her family.

The widow of Cdr. Paul J. Thorpe, USN, ret., who died in 1996, members of her family include 7 children, Gary Thorpe and his wife, Diane of Charleston, S.C., Michael Thorpe of Charleston, S.C., James Thorpe and his wife, Amber of New Baltimore, MI, Thomas Thorpe and his wife, Hilary of Somersworth, Daniel Thorpe and his wife, Sharyn of Charleston, S.C., Ann Thorpe Stotler and her husband, Richard of Dover and Paul Thorpe, Jr. and his wife, Lisa Jeanne of Dover; 11 grandchilden, Lindsey, Gary Joseph, James, Kara, Caitlin, Katie, Morgan, Summer, Ethan, Ainsley, and Noah; one great granddaughter, Jordan; and several nieces, nephews, and family members of McKeeseport, PA.

She was predeceased by two sisters and two brothers of McKeeseport, PA.

A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, March 21, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish are invited to make memorials in her name to the Homemakers of Strafford County, 215 Rochester Hill Rd., Rochester, N.H. 03867-1701.

Please go to www.taskerfh.com for more information or to sign the on-line guest book.