Margaret "Peggy" (Sullivan) Thorp, 87, passed away on December 28, 2022.

Born in Ware, MA on May 13, 1935, Peggy was the first of eight children born to Timothy F. Sullivan and Ann (Sullivan) Sullivan.

Peggy graduated from Palmer High School in Palmer, MA, at age sixteen. With lightning speed typing and exceptional shorthand skills, she began her professional secretary career for an international American biotechnology company in Springfield, MA. In those days, Peggy commuted to and from her office always wearing white gloves.

Peggy married John Andersen Thorp, III on November 10, 1956. They lived in numerous Vermont towns while John was employed in the construction of the entire lengths of both Interstates I-89 and I-9I. In 1966, they settled permanently in Strafford, VT and raised their three young children.

Peggy's love and contributions to the Strafford community were vast and passionate. There are too many civic organizations, boards, trustee positions and town projects Peggy fostered and supported to be listed. A Strafford resident said "you can tell when Peggy Thorp joined an organization because the files were always in order!" Peggy was a major part of the town's community fabric. Not surprisingly, she was selected as the Strafford's Lions Club first "Citizen of the Year" in the 1990's.

Peggy's kindness, compassion, and loving spirit spread throughout the Upper Valley. She worked for 20 years as the secretary for the Hartford Memorial Middle School from 1977-1997, where she was affectionately referred to as "Mother Thorp." A parent shared that whenever they dropped their child off in the mornings at HMMS "I always knew my daughter was safe knowing Mrs. Thorp was there." Peggy was a mentor and a friend who formed lifelong relationships with HMMS staff and students, something she cherished and that brought her joy through the end of her life.

For close to 40 years, Peggy administered and fundraised scholarships for children in both Strafford and Hartford to attend Vermont's Green Mountain Conservation Camps. Peggy was responsible for supporting hundreds and hundreds of youth the opportunities to experience life inspiring and meaningful environmental learning. GMC campers/children would go on to foster respect for New England's natural resources, leadership careers in environmental studies, stewardship, hunting, fishing, and love for the great outdoors.

Peggy is survived by daughter Andersen, sons John IV, Eric and daughter-in-law Lynn; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Joann, Patricia and brother Thomas Sullivan; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Peggy was predeceased by her husband John, sisters Eileen (Sullivan) Gula, Mary Rose and Kathleen Sullivan, and Noreen (Sullivan) Clarke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1pm on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Our Lady of Light Chapel in South Strafford, VT.

Donations in Peggy's memory may be made to: Green Mountain Conservation Camp Scholarship Fund

VT Fish & Wildlife, Dept. 1, National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpellier, VT 05620-3208

Barrett Memorial Hall, Thorp Family Fund, ℅ Gigi Graner, So. Strafford, VT 05070

Our Lady of Light Chapel, ℅ Tom Essex, So Strafford, VT 05070