Norma Louise Thorpe

Norma Louise Thorpe, age 84, a longtime resident of Colville, WA passed away on July 2, 2026 in Spokane, WA. She was born on June 2, 1942 in Opportunity, WA to Harlan Wendall and Eleanor Mae (Berry) Johnson. 

She was raised in Spokane and attended Marycliff Catholic school until high school, graduating in 1961 from Shadle. Only months later, she married her high school sweetheart, Jack Lee Thorpe at St. Francis of Xavier Church in Spokane on Aug. 5, 1961. Following his enlistment in the U.S. Army, they relocated to El Paso, TX to where Norma and Jack began a family with the birth of their daughter, Molly.

 In 1963 they moved to Ft. Lewis, WA and their family continued to grow with the births of Jeffery, Jennifer, and Garry. Jack was transferred to Alaska and his family followed. There they welcomed their 5th child Shannon. 

They resided in Alaska for 5 years before returning stateside to Ft. Lewis. Norma loved her role as a mother and always made life fun filled. With a family of seven, she stretched every dollar to ensure that Christmas was a spectacular event for each of us five kids. While at Ft. Lewis, she began working outside the home, first in a local sandwich deli and then for the Pierce College in employment services. 

In 1981, they moved to Colville when Jack retired from the Army. Norma continued her work with employment services first working with SETA before it became Rural Resources. She often traveled to surrounding communities to give presentations and enjoyed helping people connect with meaningful work opportunities. Mom retired at the age of 62. 

She and Jack eventually moved to Deer Park in 2022 where they enjoyed time in retirement. Mom was a gifted vocalist and was involved in choirs throughout her childhood and high school and beyond, including the Triple Trio. She was also the Miss Spokane runner-up and Miss Naval Reserve. While singing in the Immaculate Conception Church Choir, they were selected to travel to Rome and sing at St. Peter’s Basilica for the Pope. 

She had a passion for her Catholic faith and served actively in parish’s life. She became a third order Franciscan and fervently followed the teachings of Padre Pio and others regarding the Three Days of Darkness. Mom always loved to create laughter in the hearts and souls of those around her. She took pride in all five of her children and the well-rounded adults they grew to be. 

She could be a bit feisty at times. Especially during a round of Mexican Train with her kids. She loved to laugh and we all could break out in song or ditty at any moment. Her world was often full of lists that led to other lists. Mom appreciated antiques, bells, religious pictures and statues, and thrift shop treasures. Some of which will ring in her memories with keepsakes for the entire family for years to come. 

Norma was preceded in death by her daughter, Shannon Howes-Hulse in 2021 and her husband, Jack Thorpe in 2025. She is survived by her children, Molly Thorpe of Spokane, WA, Jeff Thorpe of Spokane, WA, Jenny Byrd (Darrel)of Newport, WA, Garry Thorpe ( Janet) of Amity, OR; Grandchildren, Amanda (Chris) Huntley, Heidi ( Jamal) Osman, Dillon Thorpe, Cory Thorpe (Rosa), Jeremy Byrd, JordAnn Byrd, Kashmir Anderson (Rodger); Great-grandchildren, Isiah, Lilli, Madison, Levi, Caleb, Hayden, Gabe, Ellie, Kamdyn, Ahnabelle, Elijah, Yasmine, Carson, Cayden, Leslie; And her siblings, Steve Johnson ( Jolene) of Everett and Bonnie Priest of Illinois, a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. 

The funeral services for Norma Louise Thorpe will begin with a Rosary at 9:15 a.m. followed by the Mass of Chrisitan Burial at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville, WA. She will be laid to rest with her husband, Jack, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. 

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.