Thorsen, Kathleen Harper

Kathleen Harper Thorsen answered the Lord’s call to join the corps of Angels on Sunday, November 3, 2019. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Richard W & Mary Jane Harper and sister, Patricia Harper Fast.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, John Russell Thorsen of Blacksburg, a sister, Mary Sharon Moore of Toms River, NJ, a daughter Anne of Brooklyn, NY, son J. Harper, his wife Ashley and their daughter and the “apple of Kathy’s eye” Ryan all of Raleigh and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Kathy cherished family above all else and was beloved to family across generations.

Kathy, born Kathleen Anne Harper in Plainfield, NJ, spent her childhood enjoying the shores of Normandy Beach and later graduated from Rumson-Fairhaven High School in 1966. Kathy went on to study English at Tusculum College in Tennessee before making her way to Orlando, Fl., where she met her husband, John.

Upon settling in Blacksburg, Va., after the birth of their son, Kathy make her first, most rewarding and important career as mother to her two children. As a dedicated and engaged member of the community, Kathy became the Registrar of Blacksburg High School where she brightened the days of students of the community with her fun socks and singing and dancing. Kathy later went on to serve as the Registrar of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine where she would occasionally still be caught singing and dancing down the halls of the building. Kathy volunteered countless hours in the community and was a friend to all.

In retirement, she and husband John enjoyed traveling up and down the eastern seaboard reconnecting with and visiting old friends. Her spirit and energy will live on in the many lives she touched and through her cherished family.

The family would like to thank the staffs at the Blacksburg and Pulaski offices of Blue Ridge Cancer Care & the Pulaski Regional Cancer Center and Carilion Hospice of Radford, as well as countless friends and community members who sent cards, words of support, and visited during the past few months.

The family welcomes friends to honor Kathy’s life at a Celebration of Life reception on Friday, November 8, from 2:30 – 5:30 PM at the Clay Corner Inn, Blacksburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donations in Kathy’s name to the American Cancer Society or a charity dear to you.