Cheryl A. Thorp

November 23, 1943 - January 10, 2014

Cheryl A. Thorp, 70, passed away January 10th at her home in Benicia. She lived a vibrant life, surviving Multiple Sclerosis for 30 years. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Cheryl was the daughter of Thomas W. Marks and Marilyn A Marks. Cheryl was a graduate of Nursing from University of Michigan. After graduating college she moved to San Francisco, CA and began working as a nurse. Cheryl married Kent L Barnes in 1965 and had two children, Jeff and Jennifer. Cheryl lived and worked in Marin, raising her 2 children for almost 20 years. In 1986 Cheryl married Ray Thorp and they began their journey together in Brookings, Oregon. While in Brookings Cheryl taught nursing and had a career in politics as a Curry County Commissioner. Cheryl retired in 2000 and thus began Cheryl and Ray’s world travel adventures. They had many incredible adventures all over the world. In 2003 Cheryl and Ray began spending their time with their grandchildren between Brookings and Benicia. Eventually they began permanently residing in Benicia, where Cheryl became involved with Canine Companions, The AAUW (American Association of University Women) and joined The Mystery Book Club at the Benicia Library. Cheryl met many wonderful friends in these organizations. Cheryl had a spirited, generous, unforgettable personality. She didn’t hold anything back; you always knew where you stood. Cheryl always fought for the underdog and usually won. She loved the ocean, sunsets, flowers, hummingbirds, her grandchildren and people. She was a beautiful woman with a smile that lit up the room. She is survived by her daughter Jenny (Rich) Beaumont of Benicia and her son Jeff Barnes of Oregon, grandchildren Andrew, Alex & Lila Beaumont, Shayla Petersen & Jeffrey Barnes. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Charles Thorp in 2008 and her brother Jeff Marks in 1973. A Celebration of her Life will be held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, January 26th at the Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L Street, where people will be invited to share a story or memory of Cheryl. Family prefers donations to the Benicia Library, Canine Companions, The MS Society or the AAUW (American Association of University Women).