Chelsea Christine Thode

Chelsea graduated from Davenport West High School and Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. She interned and worked in Washington DC for Iowa's Senator Tom Harkin. She was then recruited by and worked for AIC when in the DC area, eventually returning to the Quad Cities where her work focus turned to the Financial Industry until her passing.

Chelsea craved learning and engaged in continuing education courses her entire life where she thrived. Luna and Thebe were her four legged soul mates. Chelsea often took Luna and Thebe to West Lake Park, her comfort space.

In years past she organized events with GOTV (Get Out the Vote) and The Mississippi Valley Blues Society. Chelsea learned to play the violin, clarinet, and the saxophone, sang a cappella on a live late night radio program, was on the WHS and QC Thunder dance teams eventually earning an opportunity to tryout for the LA Lakers dance squad. Chelsea's sparkle and enthusiasm were unmatched.

Chelsea is survived by her parents, Darrell and Anne Marie Thode, brother, Nathan Thode (Megan Hettich), nephew, Kai Hettich-Thode, and niece, Nova Hettich-Thode, aunts, Norma Johnson and Kathleen "Kathie" Murtey, and uncle, David (Karen) Thode.

The following poem is what is in the hearts of those who loved her, an adaptation from the public domain poem "You Mattered to Me" by Ruth Morris.

You lived your life thinking that no one cared.

You thought you were all alone, your heart feeling tattered.

We are here to tell you that you were wrong

'Cause you see, Chelsea, to us you mattered.

It hurts to know that now you're gone.

And never will your face again be seen.

We hurt not because we are supposed to:

We hurt because you mattered to us.

We loved you when you were angry and mean.

We loved you when you were kind as could be.

We loved you not just because we had to.

We loved you because you mattered to us.

We have to live on each day without you.

It doesn't get easier as it is supposed to be.

We feel the loss of you to our very souls

Because you see, Chelsea, you mattered to us.

Your touch, your smile, your funny wit.

The times it was just you and us.

We will miss you Chelsea with all our hearts

'Cause you still matter to us...