Ella Mae “Stella” Thorpe

(Preiss) Became an Angel on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at the age of 92. Loving wife of Jack Thorpe for 32 years. Amazing mom of Sandy (the late Greg) Strapko, Tom (Pauline) Preiss, Scott (Mary Lou) Preiss, Kerri (Paul) Slotty, Jody (John) Brill, and Jeff Preiss. Gramma and great-gram to 45 grandchildren.

Preceded in death by the father of her children Herbert Preiss, her oldest son Randy and his wife Julie Preiss, and granddaughter Heather Preiss.

Ella Mae’s faith was extremely important to her. She was a long-time member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church where she was active in the church choir and Showtime. She loved spending time with her family in any capacity. Ella enjoyed travelling and was able to enjoy many cruises and casinos alongside Jack. Most of her family would tell you that she’d gladly skip dessert for a piece of peanut butter toast. And don’t forget the cold beer.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 18000 West Greenfield Avenue, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery.

I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun of happy memories
that I leave behind when day is done.