Thorey Green

View a recording of the service   https://vimeo.com/785746147 

Thorey Green (Magnusson) of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully at her home in the evening of December 28, 2022 at the age of 89 surrounded by her family. Thorey was the 7th of 8 children born to Alli and Thorlaug (Finnsson) Magnusson at the family homestead north of Milton, ND. Thorey graduated from Milton High School in 1951 and University of North Dakota receiving her Bachelor Degree of Home Economics in 1955 (spending her first year at TCU with her sister and family, a time she treasured). After college, Thorey taught at various schools in the area and married George Green on July 6, 1957 at Vikur Lutheran Church in Mountain. Thorey and George moved to Grand Forks where they raised three daughters and a son.

Thorey’s home was a place where all were welcomed. She frequently had grandchildren visiting, eating a meal she had prepared and telling her about their latest adventures. When not at home, she spent weeks visiting her daughters, helping to take care of their homes and children. Her love and care was constant. 

Family was central for Thorey. She had countless stories of growing up near Milton with her siblings that she treasured to her end. She was very proud of her Icelandic heritage: rarely missing a Deuce of August/Fjalla celebration, making vinarterta for special occasions, enjoying a trip to Iceland with her siblings, and sharing her ancestry with her children and grandchildren. She regularly wrote letters to her sisters and children, making sure to include interesting news clippings and recipes from the Grand Forks Herald, which she enjoyed reading and was a master at their crossword puzzles. Even in her later years, she could complete a puzzle better than most. She loved to watch Jeopardy, care for her home (which she lived in for over 60 years), and kept up a small garden. She was a faithful member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She attended her children’s, and then grandchildren’s, life events. She traveled the country to be at every graduation, wedding, family reunion, and many birthdays. In recent years, she didn’t let her age stop her from enjoying adventures like strolls around the block, scenic drives, frequent ice cream treats, and entertaining her devoted caregivers with her quick wit. 

Thorey was a strong woman. Even though she faced many challenges through the early deaths of her beloved husband and son and a variety of health issues, she kept going and remained a beautiful presence for her family. She was resilient and rarely complained.  

Thorey is survived and will be greatly missed by her family: three daughters Julie (Mike) Liffrig of Mandan, ND, Christi (Shane) Young of Lakewood, CO, Meridee (Keith) Danks of Grand Forks, ND and daughter-in-law Kelly (Green) Rood of San Antonio, TX, 20 grandchildren; Ryan, Elaina, Joseph, Jessica, Kristen, Peter, Rebecca, William, and Charles (Liffrig); Reese and Falyn (Young); Cody, Kylee, and Maxx (Danks); Justan, Ali, Tia, Sadie, and George (Green), 32 (and counting) great-grandchildren, and her sisters Lola Mollner of Aurora, CO, Shirley Wild of East Grand Forks, MN, sister-in-law Lois Magnusson of Preston, MN, and many nieces and nephews who she adored. Thorey was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, her son Andrew, and siblings/spouses; Leola and Milt Larson, Viola and Earl Main, John Magnusson, Marvin and Doris Magnusson, Cecilia and Lorn Dunnigan, Frank Mollner, and Tom Wild. 

Donations can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in support of the Memory Cafe and Unforgettables Choir, both of which Thorey was a member and enjoyed in her later years. Thank you Thorey for being a symbol of inspiration and perseverance through your love and lifting us all up!

Visitation will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 10 am with the funeral service following at 11 am. Lunch will be served after the service. Burial will take place at the Milton Cemetery on a later date.