Obituary of Rosita Yvonne THORPE

THORPE – Rosita Yvonne August 5, 1939 – St Lucy Parish, Barbados April 3, 2021 – Knoxville, Tennessee Mrs. Rosita Yvonne Thorpe passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at the age of 81 years. Yvonne was born on August 5th, 1939, in St. Lucy’s Parish, Barbados. She was the daughter of Calvert (Bob) and Violet (nee St. John) Cumberbatch. She was the youngest of five children. She completed her primary school education at the Alexandra School in Speightstown, St. Peter in 1955. She married Trevor A. Thorpe on August 10, 1963. She moved with her husband to California where he was completing his academic studies. In 1969, after his graduation, he accepted a position at the University of Calgary, and they moved to Canada which became their lifelong home. It was during this transition period that she had her two children Anthony and Jennifer. She began her post-secondary academic life at Pasadena City College where she learned Spanish. She completed her studies at the University of Calgary in 1979 receiving her Bachelor of Social Work. In 1983, Rosita began her work career at the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society. Her responsibilities began with providing immigrant sensitivity training to the business community. It later expanded to include schools and institutions. During that time, she completed a handbook for immigrants who were adjusting to life in Canada and contributed a chapter in a book documenting the lives of immigrant women in Canada. She retired from her work with the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society in 2000. Rosita Yvonne enjoyed reading, gardening, and hosting many dinner parties. In support of her husband’s university work, she hosted an annual Christmas Party at her house. This became an important bridge of support to the many foreign students that came to Calgary to study. She had a cheerful, engaging and outgoing personality that allowed her to gain friends in every area of her life. She was always ready with a smile and encouraging word. She was very passionate about two things: Barbados and her children. Her stories about growing up in Barbados and her doting and careful rearing of her children left an indelible mark of love and commitment on them. Their many friends and work colleagues also enjoyed her effervescent personality and sweet “Bajan” accent. Rosita Yvonne is survived by her son, Anthony (wife, Alicia); daughter, Jennifer (husband, Tony); and grandchildren, Alexis and Vanessa. She is also survived by her sisters – in- law, Maurelle and Pearl along with her nieces and nephews Robert, Mark, John Paul, Judy Ann, Charles Pierre, Rosey, Stephen, Philip, Patrick, Paul, Charles, and Michael. She also leaves many friends and colleagues that she touched throughout her life. A Private Funeral Service will be held, on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to join Mrs. Thorpe’s service streamed live at https://www.hffs.com/obits on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the following charities: United Way Calgary and Area 105 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1, Telephone: (403) 231-6265, Immigrant Services of Calgary 910 7 Ave SW #1200, Calgary, AB T2P 3N8, Telephone: (403) 265- 1120, Women’s Center of Calgary 39 4 ST NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 3R6 Telephone: (403) 264-1155 or the Anglican Diocese of Calgary, 180-1209 59th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2P6 Telephone: 403-243-3673