Anne Thorpe
Today, we gather to honor the life of Anne Thorpe, a woman whose strength, beauty, and gentleness shaped the lives of all who knew her. Anne was a rare soul — strong-willed yet tender-hearted, courageous yet comforting, and unwaveringly true to herself. She met life with a combination of bravery and compassion that inspired everyone around her and was a diehard “Bama” fan.
Anne’s life was a journey across places and passions. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Alabama, she found her true home in Florida, where we built our life together for 40 beautiful years. The sunshine, the ocean, the open skies — they suited her spirit perfectly. Florida wasn’t just where she lived; it was where she thrived, where she felt whole.
She loved the water, especially boating. Out on the boat, with the wind on her face and the horizon open before her, Anne felt free. And the beach — that was her sanctuary. Walking along the shoreline, listening to the waves, watching the world stretch out endlessly before her — those were the moments where her inner peace shone through.
Anne’s soft heart revealed itself most clearly in her love for animals, especially cats. She had a way with them — a patient, gentle presence that even the most timid animal seemed to understand. It’s no surprise that she was a proud member of PETA. She believed deeply in the protection and dignity of animals, and she lived that belief every day in the way she cared for them.
At the same time, Anne was strong and independent, never defined by a single idea or group. She was also a proud member of the National Rifle Association, believing firmly in defending the rights and freedoms she valued. That duality — a fierce protector and a gentle caretaker — was part of what made her so remarkable. She had the courage to stand for what she believed in, no matter how diverse her passions were. She lived with conviction, authenticity, and a deep sense of personal integrity.
Anne was passionate about many things, but above all, she was passionate about living fully and loving deeply. She cared for others with a sincerity that could be felt in every small gesture. She was brave in the face of challenges, steady in times of uncertainty, and always guided by that soft, compassionate heart that made her so loved.
Losing her leaves a quiet ache that words can’t fill. But her presence remains — in the sound of the waves she loved, in the cats who curl up in the sunshine, in the principles she stood for, and in the countless lives she touched with her kindness and strength.
Her legacy is one of courage, compassion, passion, and authenticity. She lived life on her terms, with a full heart and a steadfast spirit. She was beautiful, brave and smart. And she leaves behind a world made better by her time in it.
Thank you, Anne, for your love, your strength, your softness, and your unwavering spirit. Thank you for 50 years of home, laughter, adventure, and peace. You will always be with me — in every sunrise over the water, in every gentle breeze, and in every memory that still carries your light.


