In Memoriam: Audrey Frey Thorpe

From Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home.

Audrey Frey Thorpe, a lifelong resident of Stamford, died at her home in the loving embrace of her family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tracing her roots to her Irish ancestors arriving in Stamford in the wake of the potato famine, she cherished her hometown and the lifelong friendships she enjoyed there.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Frederick H.J. and Elizabeth McGreevey Frey.

Audrey attended the Stamford public schools and was a 1943 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy. During the summers, like so many in Stamford, she worked at the Yale & Towne.

She earned her B.S. from Danbury State Teacher’s College (Western Connecticut State University) and her M.A. from the University of Connecticut in 1958. Audrey taught first and second grades in Stamford at Springdale School from 1947 until her retirement in 1985. She loved teaching and, possessing a great memory, was able to recall her many students with fondness. Audrey was always touched when she was recognized by a former student around town.

In 1960, she was introduced by her colleague, Alyce Thorpe, to her brother-in-law, Frank J. Thorpe. On July 29, 1961, Audrey and Frank were married in St Clement’s Church and began their journey together that saw their love and devotion to one another grow until his unexpected death in January, 1990.

During retirement, she served as a board member of the St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary and ran the gift shop for several years in the 1990s. A Friend of the Ferguson, she enjoyed volunteering in the bookstore and especially Books for Babies. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. An avid bowler well into her 80s she bowled with the Stamford Teachers’ League. She was a communicant of St. Leo’s Parish and an active member of St. Leo’s Seniors, volunteering her time at the annual fair and bake sales.

Audrey’s life was blessed with many dear friends, and she treasured the time spent with them.

She is survived by her son Frederick G. Thorpe, USN (Ret.), his wife Linda, and her three cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth, Francis, and Thomas Thorpe. Audrey is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and the Fahey family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Audrey was predeceased by her brothers Edward C. Frey and Harold Frey.

The family would like to thank her neighbors for their many visits and thoughtfulness, the Masonicare Hospice team, Visiting Angels, and especially Sprendilon Sefani, whose extraordinary care for Audrey was an invaluable gift.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo Church, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford on Wednesday, December 16, at 10 am. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, December 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.leopgallagher.com