Lorraine Thorpe was born Lorraine Rowe on the hottest day of the year, August 10, 1930 in Washington, DC. She enjoyed growing up in a large and extended family in the area. The oldest of seven children, Lorraine said her greatest luck was to have been born into a family she loved. Lorraine was a proud graduate of St. Cecelia’s Academy in Washington DC. After high school she went to work as a secretary and eventually expanded her skills allowing her to enjoy a long career in the Federal Government, mostly in the Department of Defense. She worked for a time at the Pentagon and several years at Cameron Station Military Post in Alexandria. Lorraine continued her education and training throughout her career. She was awarded dozens of certificates for her achievements and excellent performances. She retired from DOD in 1993. Always a curious mind, she welcomed the advent of computers and was the first in her family to have a home computer! She enjoyed crossword puzzles and line dancing and all dancing, especially the jitterbug!

Lorraine married Louie Thorpe in 1951 and quickly had five children in five and a half years. When their family started to grow, they moved to Alexandria, Virginia. Unfortunately they divorced but Lorraine carried on and raised her children as a single parent and was a good provider. Lorraine lost her son, Kerry, one of the twins, four years ago but Frank, Kenny, Philip and Theresa remain in Virginia. Lorraine found great pride and joy as grandmother to Paul, Tara and Roan Thorpe. When she was 19 she joined Chi Sigma, a social sorority that raised funds for handicapped children and adults. Her sorority sisterhood resulted in lifelong friendships, traveling to conventions and conferences to different cities. They saw each other through thick and thin for 60+ years. She treasured her time with them and was proud of the work they did.

Lorraine was a longtime Redskin fan and had the joy of attending the 1982 Super Bowl victory in California. She was also a National’s baseball fan and loved watching with her son, Frank. She was thrilled to share the 2019 World Series win with him and all of her children. In spite of her Parkinson’s Disease, Lorraine never gave up. She always persevered, valuing her Catholic faith. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents John and Hazel, her brother Johnny Rowe and beloved son Kerry Thorpe. She is survived by her siblings Zee Rowe-Dankworth, Joseph Rowe, Michael Rowe, Donna Rowe-Seher, Veronica Englert, sons Frank, Kenny (Nancy), Philip Thorpe and Theresa Kulstad (John); also grandchildren Paul, Tara and Roan Thorpe. “Aunt Rainy” will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews she loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation of the National Capital Area. Also soon, the Chi Sigma Sorority’s National Charity recipient will soon be announced.

A safe Celebration of Life event will be scheduled in the future. Details will be given to family and friends.

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Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, Alexandria, VA
https://www.cunninghamfuneralhome.net/obituary/

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