Celebrating the Life of Noreen Thackrey

Celebrating the Life of Noreen Thackrey

We’re heartbroken to share that our mom, Noreen Thackrey, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 25th. The effects of her cancer treatments were just too much, though the spirit that everyone loved remained strong until the end.

If you knew Noreen, you know how much light, kindness, and strength she carried with her.

As a social worker she was a fierce advocate for foster children, helping find hundreds of children their forever homes.

She practiced taekwondo for over 50 years, teaching thousands of students of all ages & abilities, and along the way she found time to win 3 World Taekwondo Championships in Poomsae, a first for America.

She found joy in tai chi, gardening, cheese enchiladas, and listening to the Talking Heads, Neil Young, and the Grateful Dead.

But her favorite role was with her family - as a wife, mother & grandmother - she loved her family fully and with all of her heart.

To honor Noreen's legacy, you are invited to her Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 27 at 9:00 AM at Woodward Park, near the Art of Life Cancer Garden, [near the Friant & Fort Washington entrance]...the same garden close to where she practiced Tai Chi every Sunday morning with friends.

That morning, we’ll also be dedicating a tree in her name - a lasting tribute to her presence and the impact she's had on so many.

Donating to this fund is for anyone who wants to:

Help support the tree donation and ongoing maintenance

Contribute toward end-of-life care related to Noreen's care & remembrance

Participate in honoring Noreen’s incredible life and legacy

We’ve set a goal of raising $5,000, and any amount is deeply appreciated.

Whether you trained with her, grew alongside her in social work, practiced tai chi together, trained or competed with her in taekwondo...or simply felt her love and energy - we welcome you to be a part of this remembrance.

Noreen touched countless lives from all walks of life. This is a chance for all of us to come together to celebrate her, support the memorial, and continue her legacy of love, strength, and community.

Thank you for being a part of her life, and for helping us carry her memory forward.

With gratitude,

The Thackrey Family