Elizabeth J. Thorpe

On July 16, 2014 Lea crossed the boundaries of her earthly life into her promised fulfillment of eternity with our Lord. Born in Stratford, Connecticut on July 8, 1915, she was the youngest of 5 children born to Andrew and Elizabeth Genci, immigrants from Budapest, Hungary.

As a young girl she helped her family by working at the soda fountain in their store and became an expert at root beer floats. Being very athletic she participated in gymnastics, basketball and track during her school years. In her early twenties she sang with a band at Seaside Park on the Long Island Sound.

She met and married the love of her life, Jack Thorpe, in 1941. They remained married for 71 years. With Jack and their daughter they lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maryland before settling in their adopted and loved state of Texas.

Lea was naturally creative; a self-taught and talented artist, singer, piano player and seamstress. She won many golf trophies and was an excellent cook who leaves a collection of Hungarian recipes. She was devoted to prayer and set an example of perseverance and endurance for her family. Throughout her 99 years she never stopped putting her indomitable will against her inevitable mortality. She was a dedicated, loyal, and devoted wife; a caring, loving and proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Predeceased by her husband, parents, brothers, Bill and Ted, and sisters, Irene and Madelyn. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter and son-in law, Judi and Tom Hampton; grandson, John Hampton; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Cathi and Bron Rayburn; great-grandchildren, Taryn Rayburn, Brynn Rayburn and Thomas Hampton; Thomas’ mother, Kim Hampton; niece, Carol Adams; nephew, Richard Carrano; niece Lynn Daley and their families.

We give thanks to the Lord for her long life. Her passing leaves an empty place in our family, but not in our hearts. A Mass of Christian burial and celebration of her life will be on Wednesday, July 23, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Richardson. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 with service at 10:00. Rite of Committal will be at DFW National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made in her name to Catholic Charities or charity of your choice. Our family wishes to express our gratitude to the staff of Lindan Park for their kind and compassionate care.

Arrangements under the direction of Sparkman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Richardson, TX.