Kate Thorpe, 72, of Waterloo, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa, died at Cedar Valley Hospice Home Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

Kathryn Lynn Denny was born July 1, 1941 in Des Moines, the daughter of Allan and Vivian Norris Denny.

She graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt High School in 1959 and Iowa State University in 1963. She was married and later divorced.

Kate was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School, volunteered and participated in Bible studies; was past president of Junior League; past board president of Cedar Valley Hospice; past chair of Cedar Aids Support System; past board member of Grace House; and active in many educational organizations and truly valued the importance of education as evidenced by the fact that she was still taking classes at the University of Northern Iowa until her passing. She was also an active member of Iowa State University Alumni Assoc., Gamma Phi Beta, and P.E.O. She was an accomplished Bridge player throughout her life.

Kate had many hobbies including traveling, reading and needlepointing. She spent many enjoyable hours at George Wyth and the Arboretum, eating ice cream, and playing cards with her many dear friends. Her favorite childhood memories include time spent with her siblings and at their family cabin in Minnesota.

Kate was so proud of her grandchildren as anyone would know who spent any amount of time with her. It was her greatest wish to see them all graduate from college. Lilli graduated from the University of Iowa in December and Kate was planning to attend Andy’s graduation from West Point in 2016. She will not be there in person, but definitely will be in spirit. One down, six to go!

She faced her battle with cancer as she faced all other areas of her life-with dignity, grace and courage. She maintained her sense of humor and hospitality even while at the Hospice home as she tried to make her visitors comfortable and put them at ease. Kate had suffered with a rare eye condition that left her legally blind and it was because of this that she donated her eyes for research to help others in the future.

Kate is survived by her daughters: Lynn Fiorendino of Columbia Heights, Minnesota and Laura (Joel) Meyers of Reinbeck, Iowa; her son Major Stephen (Rebecca) Thorpe of Vicenza, Italy; her grandchildren: Lilli (Bryant) Medhus, Andy and Pete Meyers, Ben Fiorendino, and Christian, Logan and Madoc Thorpe; her sister Nancy (Andrew) Carlson of San Francisco, California; and her brother Thomas (Patrice) Denny of Ocean Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents.