Mary Elizabeth Thorp

Mary Elizabeth Thorp (nee: Harris) completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at the age of 97 years. Mary was born to John and Elizabeth Harris in Milwaukee on February 1, 1928. She graduated from Waukesha High School and Northwestern University. Mary married James O. Thorp in the 1950’s and they settled in Waukesha where they welcomed two daughters, Janet in 1961 and Jennfier in 1967.

Mary was a pioneer in early childhood education in Waukesha County. She started and operated one of the earliest childcare centers in Waukesha, the Grey Mare Nursery School. She later started the Tiny Tech Nursery School at Waukesha County Technical College. Mary taught and trained generations of childcare workers, created curriculum and acted as a consultant offering her experience to many childcare centers.

Mary was an active member of the Waukesha Historical Society, Waukesha Symphony and the Waukesha Practical Club.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Janet Mary (Lawrence) Horning and Jennifer Margaret Guarino, her sister-in-law, Cathy Harris, a niece Laura and nephew Todd.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Thorp and brother Rodger Harris.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1415 Dopp Street Waukesha from 11:00 AM until the 12:00 (noon) Memorial Service. Interment will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery. Memorials in Mary’s name are appreciated to the Ronald McDonald House or St Jude's Children’s Research.