Ellen Jane Thorp's Obituary
Ellen Jane Thorp, age 80, of Milton, DE passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Kent General Hospital in Dover, DE. She was born on April 14, 1935 in Newark, DE, daughter of Elmer and Mathilda (Moore) Gallaher.
Mrs. Thorp was a 1953 graduate of Newark High School in Newark, DE. She enjoyed a lengthy career as an Executive Secretary, working for numerous organizations including the Newark School District in Newark, DE, the Lakeridge Parks & Recreation Association in Woodbridge, VA and lastly the Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, NC.
Mrs. Thorp was a member of the White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church in Newark, DE and after relocating to Sussex County, she attended Lewes Presbyterian Church. She volunteered many hours for the Navy Relief Society, helping numerous families at the many military bases where her husband was stationed. She was an active volunteer at her children's schools and book fairs, was a Girl Scout leader, and was active in youth sports organizations as a team mother, as well as a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
An avid gardener, Mrs. Thorp loved planting various flowers and plants around her home. She had a knack for decorating and making her home inviting to her family and friends.
The most important thing in Mrs. Thorp's life was her family whom she dearly loved. She especially enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters and attending many of their extracurricular activities.
Mrs. Thorp was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and a dear friend to all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Thorp was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Gallaher. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Joseph C. Thorp, Lt. Col. USMC Ret.; a son, Mark Thorp of Milton, DE; a daughter, Kathleen Weisblatt and her husband Eric of Alexandria, VA; a sister, Marian Roberts of Saginaw, MI; three grandchildren, Molly, Madeline, and Lily Weisblatt; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Gallaher of Newark, DE and many nieces and nephews.
Entombment will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at 10:00 AM, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Suite B, Englewood, CO 80112 and the BayHealth Foundation, 640 S. State Street, Dover DE 19901-3530.
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