Constance Mona (Berquist) Thorpe

Constance (Connie) M. Thorpe, age 94, passed away in her home on July 18, 2024. Connie was born May 23, 1930, to Leonard G. Berquist and Viola R. Berquist in Niles, Michigan. Connie graduated from Niles High School and attended Michigan State. During this time, she met her future husband, Edward Allen Thorpe, at Diamond Lake, Cassopolis, Michigan, where her father built a cottage on Diamond Island and Eddy’s parents owned and operated a business, Thorpe’s Marine on the island. Connie and Ed were married on December 10, 1952, before Eddy shipped out to the Korean War.

During the war, Connie worked at Tyler Refrigeration in Niles, MI, and saved for the building of their first house. Upon the return from war, her husband joined the family business, Thorpe’s Marine, and Connie raised their three children, Linda Christine, Thomas Scott, and Bruce Steven. Connie was a lifelong creative person, gardening, sewing, and cooking for her family. She was an active member of the South Bend Cruising Club and the South Bend Snowmobile Club and held several offices in these clubs. She was also the owner of a small floral service, The Weathervane. Her neighbors became her lifelong friends and first bridge groups. During the blizzard of 1978, Connie and Ed, who were part of the disaster response team of the American Red Cross, were able to rescue people from the blizzard and deliver medications to those in need with their snowmobiles.

Connie had an avid love for the water growing up on Diamond Lake; this translated to slalom waterskiing, sailing, and ice racing on the lake. This love of the water led her to become a Water Safety Instructor at the YMCA and later to become certified in Handicapped Swimming Instruction, and she became the first permanent Aquatic Director at Logan Center after her children were grown. This allowed many adults and children at the center to experience the freedom found in swimming. Her love of life also translated to a love of family, family gatherings, and hosting her family and others in their home. Her creative side found an outlet in art, and she was an active member of the Pastel Society in our local area, exhibiting her landscapes at Fernwood with the society.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Thorpe Gordon; and her son, Tom Thorpe (Mary). She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: LeighAnn Jeffers, Scott Jeffers, Ed Gordon (Barbara), Chad Thorpe (Libby), Travis Thorpe (Heidi), Grant Gordon (Danielle), Christine McDonald (nee Gordon, Jeremy) and Brandon Thorpe (Ariel); and 3 great granddaughters and 4 great-grandsons, Henry and Mabel Thorpe, Teddy and Harry Gordon, Tessa Thorpe, and Lakelyn and Colt Thorpe. Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Edward A. Thorpe; her son, Bruce Steven Thorpe; her son-in-law, Tom Gordon; and her great-granddaughter, Evelyn McDonald.

A private memorial service will be held among the family in honor of Connie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Logan Center or the local chapter of the American Red Cross.