Allegra Yvonne Thornton

Thornton, Allegra Yvonne
(nee McCauley) Born March 20, 1920 in Chicago, IL, lived in the Chicago area until 1974. Moved to Scottsdale, AZ and lived there until 2001. She moved to be with her daughter Diane in Smithville, MO until 2008. She then moved to New Lenox, IL to be close to her sister Suzanne. She lived at Paradise Park Assisted Living in New Lenox until the last few months where she was then a resident of Salem Village, Joliet. She passed away there on January 7, 2011. Survived by her children Diane (Robert) Dickson, Smithville, MO, Linda (Lloyd) Andersen, Scottsdale, AZ and Brian (Kwan) Thornton, Federal Way, WA; grandchildren Robert (Lina) Dickson, Dawn (Ken) Dickson Sportsman, Christine Dickson, Eric (Deborah) Dickson, Jason Thornton, Julie (T.A.) Andersen Shover, Dean (Penny) Andersen and Jill (Dave) Andersen Boller; great grandchildren Kellen Shover, Jason Shover, Madeline Andersen, Elley Kate Andersen and Sophia Dickson; sisters Virginia Howerton, Spring Valley, CA, Nanette (Ken) Hegg, Littleton, CO, Laurie Harveston, El Cajon, CA, Suzanne Weir (Ted Tempinski) New Lenox, IL and Gayle Mayer, San Diego, CA; a sister-in-law Joyce Calder, Rocklin, CA; numerous nieces and nephews including a special niece, Rhonda, who lovingly cared for her aunt for the last two years. She is also survived by her dear friend of 70 years, Doris Hazeltine of Lake Station, IN and a friend of 30 years, Helen Pergokis of Scottsdale, AZ. Preceded in death by her husband, Bertram Thornton (1969), her daughter, Candy Ryan (1980), her son, Craig Thornton (1994), and two precious grandchildren, Joel and Kathy Ryan (1980). Also preceded in death by her mother Allegra "Billie" Kellogg, her father Michael McCauley and a brother Stan Calder. Yvonne was a loving foster mother for over 50 years and cared for over 450 foster children in Chicago and Scottsdale. She retired from foster motherhood at the age of 75. She was the happiest when each child found a good home. She loved fireworks, watching birds and her hot air balloon ride! At her request she will be cremated. There will be graveside services in the spring. Kurtz Memorial Chapel, New Lenox 815-485-3200.