Viola Thorp

Viola( Brewster) Thorp, 97, passed away peacefully at Regency Heights Of Windham Dec 14, 2010. She was predeceased by her 5 siblings and husband( of almost 77 years) Walter L. Thorp Sr and leaves her 4 children Alice Beaton of Port St Lucie, Fl., Robert Thorp and his wife Joan of Charlton, MA., Walter Thorp Jr and his wife Hannelore of Norridgewock, ME. and Shirley Green and her husband John of Port Richey, FL. as well as 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Viola , one of 6 siblings was born and lived in Lebanon until she and Walter were married on Armistice Day 11/11/1929. Life was not easy, as soon after their marriage the great depression hit- with little income and a growing family-this required very frugal household management. Viola was known for stretching limited ingredients and creating tasty meals. She and Walter made a great team as they worked toward their dream of someday owning their own farm . By renting ,hard work and perseverance along with Walter's brother Wilton back from WWII, they eventually achieved their dream by purchasing the former Dimock Farm in Coventry. They operated the Longvue Farm( milking and breeding Purebred Holsteins) until Walter's health required a change. Viola found employment at the Pathobiology Laboratory at UConn and retired in 1979 after 25 years of faithful service. They then moved to Orchard Hills in their beloved Coventry where they happily resided in retirement another 25 years. A memorial service will be conducted at the First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main St Coventry, CT. 06238 in the spring followed by a graveyard service at Storrs Cemetery for the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations in Viola's name may be made to the First Congregational Church of Coventry, P.O. Box 355, Coventry, Ct. 06238. Arrangements through Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .