Hope Bouvette Thornberg, 90

Hope Bouvette Thornberg, 90, of St. Louis Park, Minn., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Golden Valley, Minn.
Hope was born to Calvin and Francis (Zamzow) Bouvette on Dec. 18, 1934, in Hallock, Minn., where she graduated valedictorian. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1957. She later went on to receive her master of arts in industrial technology in 1975 and her doctor of philosophy in education in 1979, both at the University of Minnesota.
Hope had a long and distinguished career in education, starting in the health field and then moving into education. She held a number of positions, which included instruction as well as curriculum development, at the community college and university levels.
In 1981, Hope began the classwork to obtain her pilot’s license, which would change the course of her career. Her interest in aviation drove her to obtain her private pilot’s license, instrument rating and instructor’s certification. It was in this field that Hope continued for the remainder of her career, developing and teaching specialized aviation courses at the university level.
Her interest in aviation also extended into her volunteerism as she and the Ninety Nines (Volunteer women pilots) flew daffodils for the American Cancer Society.
In addition, Hope won a number of awards, authored numerous articles and made many presentations on aviation education to different organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. She is especially well known for pioneering several women in aviation programs and promoting aviation among young women.
After Hope’s retirement in 2001, she began a new adventure, training as a docent for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Her specialty was the Purcell Cutts House, where she gave tours to many groups over the years.
Hope was a good friend to many and a devoted member of St. George’s Episcopal Church. She loved to travel, especially enjoying visits to Canterbury and the castles of England. She made new friends wherever she went. She was also proud to be a Daughter of the American Revolution.
Hope will be remembered by: her three children, Catherine (Peter) Winge of Eden Prairie, Minn., Mary (Tom) Klosowski of Little Falls, Minn., and Robert (Karen) Isaacson of Minnetonka, Minn.; grandchildren, Katy and Chris (Abby) Winge, Haydn (Jaime) Luker and Regan (Lex Knowles) Luker, and Libby, Zack and Frank Isaacson; sister, Catherine (John) Lloyd; two great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews.
The family also wants to thank the Covenant Village of Golden Valley and Methodist Hospital staff for their caring and compassionate care. Donations in Hope’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society. There was a private family service held in Hallock.