Edna Margaret Thorpe

Edna Margaret Rampone Thorpe, "Nanny", passed away in Fresno, CA on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the age of 95. Nanny - a loving mother, an affectionate grandmother, a devoted great-grandmother, and friend, who was compassionate and kindhearted. She embodied a spirit like no other, always positive no matter how she felt.

As Nanny would say, "I was born and raised in Fresno, CA on April 6, 1916." Her parents, Domenic Rampone and Constanza Lanfranco immigrated from Frenco, Italy to the United States to prosper and raise a family. She was a graduate from Edison High School and received her AA Business Administration Degree from 4 C's College in 1934. She was a dedicated employee of the Fresno Unified School District for 22 years as manager of the Film Department, retiring in 1981.

Nanny enjoyed spending time with her family. All you had to do was just call her and she would be there for you. She was actively involved with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's activities. She had a passion for life and age did not matter. She loved going to the theatre and rock concerts. Some of her favorites were Prince, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Rod Stewart, and most of all Neil Diamond. She traveled with the family every summer. She enjoyed spending time on the beach, especially in Hawaii, Newport and Redondo Beach.

She lived a full and happy life. She touched so many lives. Her presence will be solely missed but never forgotten. We'll always remember her special smile, her caring heart, her warm embrace, and the love she gave to everyone she knew.

Edna, "Nanny", was preceded in death by her brother, Evo Rampone; and sisters, Dora Rossi and Clara Sessagesimo.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, daughter, Carol Fields and husband Alan of Fresno; son, Stephen Thorpe and wife Jerilyn of Fresno; and daughter Patti Lahman of Fresno; her six grandchildren, Vicki Miller and husband Bob of Fresno; Scott Fields and wife Jena of Fresno; Ashley Thorpe of Corona Del Mar, CA; Courtney Thorpe of Santa Monica, CA; Blake Lahman of Marina Del Rey, CA; and Sara Lahman of Fresno; and three-greatgrandchildren, Clay and Brooke Miller and Adison Fields of Fresno.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Belmont Memorial Park.

Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Ave., Suite C-1, Fresno, CA 93711 or the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.