Mary B. Thornton

Mary B. Thornton
of Vestal, N.Y.
3-1-1908 - 9-2-2008
Mary B. Thornton, 100 robust years young, went home to her Lord while in the company of her loving family Tuesday, September 2, 2008. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, John F. Thornton in 1977, and her son, John F. Thornton III, and daughters, Jeanne T. Jennings and Mary Ann Stokes, as well as several of her brothers and sisters from the Scranton, Triple Cities and New Jersey areas. Mary was the matriarch of the "Thornton Clan" presiding in Endicott and later in Vestal for 8 decades. She is survived by her son, Joseph W. Thornton, Binghamton; ten grandchildren, Lynda and Ron Randall, Mary Ann Barnett, John F. Thornton IV, Warren J. and Laurene Jennings, Katherine and Robert Bugbee, Anne Marie and Gerald Abbey, Barbara and Mark Rose, Joseph II and Debra Thornton, Sean and Kathryn Thornton, and Jocelyn Thornton; 20 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Catherine Cook and Claire Thomas, both of Endicott; two brothers, Vincent Crane, Scranton, and Robert Crane, Calif.; and a special Goddaughter, Sister Diane Louttit, D.C. She also leaves an extended family of numerous nieces, nephews and their progeny. She was "Grandma" or "Aunt Mary" to a multiple of family and friends and always had an encouraging word for one and all. The sun always shined on Grandma's Day. Her example of a consistent, positive attitude, grounded in Christian faith is her legacy. Her cheery outlook and constant prayers for her beloved family and all who touched her life served as an inspiration and will be missed until that day we are reunited in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, Mary's legacy would be best reflected by those who have touched her life to continue her prayer list. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, 9:30 a.m. at St. Ambrose Church, Endicott. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memory Park, Vestal. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main St., Endicott, Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
God Bless You and may the Lord keep you in the palm of His hand. But I'll look up
Into the face of Jesus
For there my heart can rest My fears are stilled
And there is joy and love
And light for darkness
And perfect peace
And every hope fulfilled.