Lucille Estelle Thornsjo

Age 99 of Minneapolis, died July 20, 2026, pre ceded in death by hus band Oreland Thornsjo. Lucy was the older daugh ter of Thelma and Clifford Stephens, attended Penn Hall junior college and the University of Minnesota. She mar ried Orly in 1948, raised four chil dren and loved her dogs. Lucille was vivacious, adventure some, loyal and loving. She was a Girl Scout leader, an Avon Lady, an active Republican party volunteer and church member. Adventuresome? She was an avid fan of sports car racing, including working Registration at 1960s-80s SCCA races and being "Mom" to Orly's race car team. With Orly, she was a co-founder of the Land O' Lakes chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society. Together, they survived a harrowing, epic journey in 1980 with their 45' Chance Trumpy classic boat from North Carolina to St. Paul. And so many trips to England over 20 years, trav eling nearly every canal. Lucy was a dog caretaker and drove for Pets Are Inn, was a real estate agent, and operated an English Canal Boat tour business. A stalwart individual with noble strength, she survived the tragedies of her daughter contract ing MS (Jan passed away in 2024). Then lost to cancer her second son Brian- a special education student with significant disabilities- just before his 25th birthday in 1979. Despite such challenges, through out her life Lucy kept optimistic and never gave up, buoyed by her deep and abiding Christian faith. Active member of Union Congregational Church, then the Anglican Church of St. Dunstan in St. Louis Park where she led the alter guild, attended dioceses conferences and other church activities. She is survived by her sons Mark and Dale (Mary Kohl), granddaugh ter Cara Mia Bruncati (Angelo DeFrancesco) and their children, Jeremy Drusch (Lisa) and their fam ily, and Arnie Drusch and his chil dren. Our thanks to Jones-Harrison Assisted Living and their wonderful staff. Memorial contributions to Brian's Fund that will continue supporting St. Louis Park special education students: contact Mark. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Crystal Lake Chapel. 612-521-3677 3816 Penn Av N at Dowling A memorial service will be held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on 2026-08-29 at Anglican Church of St. Dun stan, 4241 Brookside Avenue

Lucille Estelle Thornsjo

September 13, 1926 - July 20, 2026

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