Rebecca Thorpe

1952 - 2022

Rebecca Ann Sturman-Thorpe, a loving and beautiful wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to many, passed away on December 19, 2022, at the Waconia hospital. She was 70 years old.

Becky was born on July 30, 1952, at St. Mary's hospital in Minneapolis to Lyell and Alma Sturman. She grew up in Delano, graduated from Delano high school, and went on to graduate from Saint Cloud University with degrees in anthropology, English, and library sciences. She then worked at the St. John's Library for four years where she developed friendships with many monks and other library staff. After marrying, Becky and her husband Jim moved to North Carolina for a few years before returning to Minnesota to start a family in Mound. Jim and Becky knew each other for 50 years and were married for 44 years.

After establishing a family in Mound, Becky became a Title One teacher at the local elementary school, Shirley Hills Primary. There she worked tirelessly to help students grow and develop a love of reading. She worked in the Westonka district for 28 years, retiring in 2018.

Becky was an active volunteer, spending many years organizing bazaars and rummage sales at her church, Bethel United Methodist. She also spent countless hours volunteering at the local historical museum and various libraries. Becky attended a one room schoolhouse during her elementary years, which sparked an interest in researching the history of schools in Westonka and surrounding areas.

She loved to travel, go antiquing, and find treasures at thrift stores with her husband. Becky was a voracious reader, a passionate learner, and a history buff. She enjoyed many genres of music and art and loved jewelry and fashion.

Family and friends meant the world to Becky, and she was always delighted to host parties and gatherings. She adored sharing stories and special moments with visitors on her "party deck."

She was full of wisdom and kindness, had an adventurous spirit, loved to laugh and joke, and was an extremely welcoming and generous individual. Her giant glowing personality could fill any room with positivity and warmth.

Becky was preceded in death by her brother Robert Sturman.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Thorpe; two children, Jesse Thorpe, Aaron and Caitlin Thorpe; two brothers, Kevin "Buck" Sturman and Tim and Denise Sturman; sister-in-law, Lynn and Bill Otremba; and six nieces and nephews.

Visitation held from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, December 28th at Iten Funeral Home in Delano. Funeral held at 2 PM on Thursday, December 29th at Bethel United Methodist Church in Mound, Minnesota. Additional visitation at the church on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Casket bearers: Eric Sturman, Jacob Sturman, Kody Johnson, Karena Johnson, Dillon Rouleau Sturman, Mike Sturman.