Helen Mae Thornton

1916 - 2008

Helen M. Thornton, 91, of Vallecito Estates, Newbury Park, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Dec. 31, 2007.

Helen was born On Aug. 9, 1916, in East Peoria, Ill., the daughter of Charles A. and Florence A. Cusac, where she was raised with her brother, Charles J. Cusac. Helen married James R. Thornton Aug. 9, 1936, in East Peoria, Ill.

Helen was a homemaker and worked in the school cafeteria. Later, she and her husband managed apartments for several years.

After retiring, Helen and Jim relocated to Tempe, Ariz., for three years then moved to Southern California to be closer to their twin daughters, Judy and Jody. They purchased a mobile home and moved into Vallecito Estates in Newbury Park, where they were longtime residents for 33 years.

Helen enjoyed many things. She loved family reunions, children and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved people and she loved to laugh. In the picture above, she was greeting guests at her 90th birthday celebration. She was also active in Women's club, Vallencito clubhouse activities and she was an avid Lakers fan. She and Jim enjoyed traveling, including cruises and visits to the Caribbean, Tahiti and Hawaiian Islands.

Helen was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She had an art for caring. She was an inspiration and role model with her generous heart, courage, patience and unconditional love. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, brother and loving husband of 69 years.

She is survived by her twin daughters, Judy Andrews (husband Peter) of Thousand Oaks and Jody Lindholm (husband George) of Oak View; two granddaughters; one great-granddaughter; two great-grandsons; plus many cherished family members and friends.

Mom, thank you for your guidance, strength and courage. You always were our best friend.

Memorial services are pending. Friends and relatives will be notified.