Cathrynn "Katie" Thorsen

Music was at the heart of Katie Thorsen’s life.Whether she was playing trumpet in an all girl band at the age of ten, teaching young students, conducting a choir, supporting the arts at Cal State Fullerton or attending an L.A. Philharmonic concert, music was her constant refrain. She shared with countless others that same passion - as well as her unconditional love. Katie Thorsen, 87, passed away in the early hours of August 13, surrounded by her family at her home in Fullerton, where she had lived since 1964.Cathrynn Ellen Bossard was born August 9, 1929 in San Diego to Charles F. Bossard and Ellen McMurdo Bossard and was the youngest of three children. Cathrynn, along with older brothers William (Billy) and Charles (Buddy) had a happy childhood. She graduated from San Diego High School in 1947 and the University of Redlands in 1951, where she earned a degree in Music Education. There, she met and fell in love with fellow music student, David Thorsen.The couple was married on July 12, 1952. Son, Paul David, was born in 1954 and daughter, Karen Marie, followed in 1961. Katie’s professional passion was music education. She dedicated more than twenty years to the Fullerton community. Starting as a travelling teacher in the Elementary School District, she introduced choral music to children. Then, while at Wilshire Junior High, she inspired countless seventh- and eighth-graders to both love music and sing from their hearts. Her ability to touch and transform the lives of these young people was phenomenal. Katie’s strong faith was evident in her consistent and devoted service to many congregations, including the First Presbyterian Church of Fullerton, First Presbyterian Church of Anaheim, and First Presbyterian Church of Tustin. She and her husband were also founding members of Saint Paul Lutheran Church of Fullerton. In addition to their church membership, they both directed many youth and adult church choirs. Katie served in the community as well. She was actively involved in and served as President of both the CSUF Art Alliance and the CSUF Music Associates. In fact, David and Katie were so integral to the musical life on the CSUF campus that the choir rehearsal hall bears the Thorsen name. Her passions and interests included spending time with friends, sewing, gardening, crocheting, watching Jeopardy!, going to her high school and college reunions, visiting art museums, listening to Vin Scully call Dodgers games, studying German, and traveling to Europe and Hawaii. Her greatest love, however, was her family. Katie was especially joyful while spending time with her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her friends and family will always remember Katie for her loving thoughtfulness, her unwavering integrity, and her loyal dedication as a friend who always put others first and who always remembered everyone’s birthdays. She also possessed a colorful, creative sense of style and a willingness to share her knowledge of English grammar. Katie is survived by her husband of 64 years, David; brother, Charles Bossard; son, Paul (Gail); and , daughter, Karen (William) McClung; grandchildren Alia Thorsen, Jericho Thorsen, Ashley (Ryan) Robertson, Micah McClung, Jason McClung, Katie Grace McClung; and great-grandchildren, Jared Robertson and Elliana Robertson. A memorial service will take place on Sunday, September 4, at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Anaheim, 310 W. Broadway.Donations in Katie’s memory may be made to the David Thorsen Choral Scholarship Fund at the CSUF School of Music.