Joanie Thorn, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on the evening of February 2, 2026.

Joanie was born in 1956 in Shreveport, LA to Richard Sr. and Norma McAlpin (Rabun). From a young age she worked hard to support herself and her family, holding jobs at various restaurants before moving with her parents across Louisiana, California, New Mexico, and Texas. In Houston, she worked with her Aunt Belle as an interior designer, decorating homes for celebrities including members of ZZ Top, and even meeting actor Robert Urich during her time in Las Vegas.

After returning to Albuquerque and following the birth of her daughter Danielle, she later moved to Michigan where she worked for a printing company. She eventually came home to New Mexico and joined Sperry Flight Systems (later Honeywell) in computer and technical roles, and even helped open the door for her brother Rick to work there. After the birth of her son Ian, she continued at Honeywell for several years before later working for a CPA.

In 1996, Joanie met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Thorn. They married in August 2006 and shared nearly 30 years together. They supported each other through every season of life and found joy in traveling, gardening, cooking, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. Joanie especially cherished the last three years with her niece Alyssa, who visited often to help with chores, medications, and companionship.

Joanie loved music - especially country, jazz, New Orleans sounds, and the blues - and enjoyed sharing her favorite shows and songs with her niece and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Robert Thorn of Albuquerque; her children Augusta Danielle McAlpin of Albuquerque and Ian Vandermey (Jessica) of Edgewood, NM; and stepdaughter Tamara (Tammy) Thorn of California. She is also survived by her grandchildren Aubrianna Suriel‑Soldat (Brian) of San Diego, CA; Gabriel Suriel of Maricopa, AZ; Owen, Piper, and Annika Vandermey of Edgewood, NM; Chris Jessamine and Juliet Longbine of Albuquerque; and Zarek Gold and Arora Thorn of California. Additional survivors include her brother Richard McAlpin Jr. (Rita) of Albuquerque; her aunts Belle Dalton, Clarice "Duck" Lammey (Cres), and Beth Middlebrooks; nieces Alyssa and April McAlpin; great‑nephew Malakai McAlpin; and many cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her Aunt Doris McAlpin of Gulfport, MS, who passed just one week earlier. Joanie is now reunited with her loved ones in Heaven. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to niece Alyssa for her loving care, to Danielle, Ian, and Tammy for their loving support, to Dr. John Stuart, Harmony Health Care Hospice, and to Pastor David Wilcox for their guidance and compassion.

Cremation has been completed and a memorial service will be held at:

Grace United Methodist Church
420 San Lorenzo NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107

Service: April 19, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
(Reception to follow)

If you would like to send flowers or cards, they may be directed to the church