Patricia Thorpe

Patricia (Pat) Rose Thorpe, age 88, recently residing in Temecula, California but longtime resident of Gilbert, Arizona, joined the love of her life on Thursday, July 14, 2022 when she entered the gates of heaven. She was surrounded by loved ones in the hospital.

Born Patricia Rose Raia on January 27, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to proud parents Anna (Raia) and Charles Vallone. She was the first born child and grew up in Chicago, graduating high school, and later obtaining a cosmetology license to work as a hairstylist. She would continue to broaden her career path by studying to become a CNA, along with her youngest daughter, Diane, who both received their certification on the same day. She settled into a career later in a large company, Trade Service Publications, as a Proofreader, beloved by all of her workmates due to her sweet personality and incredible meals/baked goods that she gladly shared with all. On December 26th, 1954, Pat was united in marriage to John Edwin Thorpe in Phoenix, Arizona. The couple was blessed with 5 children (the youngest child, Carol Lynn only lived for 1 and a half hours but with whom she has since been reunited in heaven), 4 of whom they raised while traveling nationally and internationally as the family followed orders to serve in many regions of North America and the US, since John was a US Airforce pilot. Over the last few years, Pat would often boast that she counted a total of 25 moves as a family. Their 3 girls were all born in France while Pat was often bravely raising the kids solo as John went on military operations. Pat was always completely dedicated and sacrificial in her devotion and care of her children. Demonstrating her complete selflessness, the kids got name brand clothes, etc. and mom always got $12 dresses for herself. John and Pat were happily married for 44 years. Pat adored her husband and was devastated after he was taken to heaven early but was able to rebuild her life, and went on to enjoy 23 additional years with family and friends.

Pat was an incredible cook and always kept her family (and many friends and neighbors) filled with a variety of tasty meat and potato dishes, as well as her authentic Italian cuisine and delectable delights, such as cookies, cakes and pies. She made the best Biscotti (Italian) cookies and Apple-Apricot pie (which was John’s favorite)! Pat surrendered her heart to the Lord Jesus shortly after John rededicated his life and led his family to attend church regularly and to read the Bible together in their home. Ma and Daddy both joined the choir, and in the coming years, served the Lord in many ways in and out of the church, loving God and others, to the praise of His glory.

Most of all, she dearly loved (and was loved by) her family and enjoyed special times with her 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Today Pat is survived by four of her children: Vicky, Stephanie, Diane, and Stephen; and two younger brothers, George and Paul Vallone.

She was preceded in death by: Her beloved husband, John, parents Anna and Charles Vallone, and her youngest child, Carol Lynn.

A Celebration of Life will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 in the Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home Chapel, 201 N. 4th St., Fairfax with Pastor Jim Thorpe presiding. Interment will immediately follow at the Fairfax City Cemetery, 600 S. 8th St., where she will be laid to rest next to her husband John.

Patricia Thorpe’s online guestbook may be signed at: www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com