Obituary of Louise Thorpe

Louise Gartley Thorpe, age 95, of New Vernon, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, surrounded by love. Born in Newark, NJ, on June 29, 1929, Louise’s life was one full of joy, creativity, and kindness. She spent her early years on Montclair Ave. in Verona, NJ, where she graduated from Verona High School. A lifelong learner, Louise attended Kimberly Girls School before continuing her education at Farleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford and Jersey City, ultimately earning degrees in both Nursing (RN) and Dental Hygiene.

It was in Glen Ridge, NJ, where Louise began her career as a dental hygienist, and it was also there she met the love of her life in the dental chair, as her patient, Harold B. Thorpe Jr. The two married on May 3, 1958, and soon after, their family grew with the arrival of their three children: Tamsen, James, and Barbara.

After living in Fanwood, NJ, for several years, Louise and Harold made the move to New Vernon, NJ, where they built two retail and office buildings in their beloved community. Louise’s passion for plants and gardening led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Horticultural Science from the University of Florida. From that point on, she became a true expert in cultivating bulbs and floral arrangements, earning her certification as a Master Judge of Floral Design. Louise’s skill and love for flowers earned her countless blue ribbons and accolades at flower shows, and she taught many classes over the years, sharing her knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

A Charter member and Honorary member of the New Vernon Garden Club, Louise also held membership in the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club and represented the MVGC at Art in Bloom three times at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Her greenhouse, which was filled to the brim with vibrant plants, included a particularly special night-blooming cereus that thrived under her care. As dedicated as she was to her garden, Louise was equally committed to her community. She was an active member of the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for 58 years, providing support to the department and the town she loved.

Louise’s involvement in her faith community at the New Vernon Presbyterian Church was another cornerstone of her life and she dedicated close to thirty years to arranging the altar florals under the wooden cross that hung at the front of the church that Harold built. She was a well-read and athletic woman, known for her love of tennis and her time spent teaching swimming in her backyard pool. In her younger years, she even tried out for the Olympic diving team—a dream cut short when she unfortunately injured her leg on the high dive.

Among her many talents were cooking. Louise was a remarkable cook; renowned for her amazing home cooked meals and delicious desserts. She loved to cook for others because she was a caregiver at heart. Louise also had a deep love for animals, and over the years, she cared for many horses, hamsters, turtles, dogs, and cats, often tending to litters of puppies and kittens. One of her favorite pastimes during her later years was driving through the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge with Harold to spot wildlife but most of the wildlife was in their backyard, including the visits from the bear.

In addition to all her many passions, Louise and Harold shared a special love for boating. They were avid boaters and spent many summers on Martha’s Vineyard, sailing their beloved 17-foot Penobscot Bay Gaff Rigged sailboat, which Harold built himself. Baking pies and making clam chowder with fresh clams from Katama Bay were among her most cherished pastimes, especially when shared with Harold, her husband of 67 years.

Louise was known for her radiant smile and the warmth she brought to every room. Her sparkling blue eyes were a reflection of her vibrant spirit and the joy she found in life’s simplest pleasures.

Louise’s memory will live on in the hearts of her children, Tamsen Thorpe, James Thorpe, and Barbara Emery; her daughter-in-law Cheryl Gan Thorpe and her son-in-law John Emery and her six beloved grandchildren, Ian, Ben, and Will Emery, Sofia Kasparik, and Sam and George Thorpe; her extended family, and all who were touched by her kindness, creativity, cooking and generosity. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Louise’s memory to the New Vernon Fire Department or the New Vernon Garden Club.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty of nature she so deeply loved.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 10:00am at First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon, 2 Lees Hill Rd, New Vernon, NJ 07976. Burial will follow at First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, New Vernon.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to The New Vernon Garden Club: https://www.nvgardenclub.org/  PO Box 1981, New Vernon, NJ 07976  or  New Vernon Fire Department: https://www.nvvfd.com/take-action PO Box 143 Village Road New Vernon, NJ 07976-0143