Andrea Kristine Thornberry

Andrea Kristine Thornberry was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 29, 1975, to Mary and James Yardley. Andrea spent her first two years of life in Lucea, Jamaica where her parents taught at Rusea's High School. When the family returned to the United States, her parents were concerned that she hadn't yet said her first word. As it turned out, Andrea spoke many words but only in Jamaican Patois. Andrea spent most of her youth in central Illinois surrounded by extended family and close family friends. In 1985, her family moved to Blacksburg, Virginia where she attended middle and high school. Andrea started her college journey at James Madison University and completed her undergraduate education at Virgina Tech where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in English and Philosophy. She completed her education in 2002 earning a Master of Business Administration. While at Virginia Tech, Andrea met Matthew Thornberry, a chemistry PhD candidate. Andrea and Matt developed a loving relationship filled with family, friends, and fun. They could often be found enjoying downtown Blacksburg or gathering with friends while enjoying music and drinks. Andrea and Matt married on May 19, 2001, at her father's house. Andrea and Matt moved to Corvallis, Oregon in 2001-2002 and were joined by her sister Amy, and later by her mother Mary. Shortly after arriving in Corvallis, Andrea began working with local non-profits. Andrea worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis from Dec 2002 until July 2007 serving as an independent grant writer, Resource Development Specialist, and Resource Development Director. On May 26th 2007, Andrea and Matt welcomed their only child, Connor James Thornberry, into the world. In September of 2007, Andrea was hired as the Executive Director of Heartland Humane Society where over the next 12 years, she immersed herself in the community by volunteering for countless local nonprofit organizations. In December of 2019, Andrea founded Luca Financial Organizing with her business partner Diane Cygan and quickly built a strong and stable organization of her own. While accomplishing all that she did, Andrea was also an artist. Her paintings are cherished by family and friends. Andrea made friends everywhere she went. She was smart, witty, funny, and always up for a party. She loved her husband and son more than anything and held strong connections with her extended family. She had a giving heart and a passion for female empowerment. She saw the good in everyone and was quick to forgive. Andrea passed away on December 18, 2022. She is survived by her husband Matt, son Connor, parents Mary, James and Dianne, sister Amy and three nephews Corbin, Henry and Maxwell, and her dog Raikou. She leaves behind a legacy of community service. She had a heart full of love and laughter and was a force for good in this world. The world will be a duller place to all who knew her. A public celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at 3:00 PM in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the Oregon State University campus (link below). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Andrea Thornberry Memorial Fund” through the Benton Community Foundation (link below). All collected funds will be donated to local causes that Andrea would have championed. Andrea Thornberry Memorial Service: https://fb.me/e/2rDEtsrlO?mibextid=RQdjqZ Andrea Thornberry Memorial Fund: https://bcfgives.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2287

Andrea Kristine Thornberry

May 29, 1975 - December 18, 2022