Marie Thornton

Obituary of Marie Thornton

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Marie Thornton, (nee Bandini) was born in Santa Cruz on May 11, 1931. She passed away on September 23, 2025 after an arduous 3 year journey into the purgatory of psychotic depression. Her father, Gino Bandini immigrated from Lucca, Italy. Marie was proud of her Italian heritage and celebrated it throughout her life, visiting Lucca in 1989. She was extremely close to her four siblings, all of whom predeceased her. Marie was a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz; her family lived in many different neighborhoods where she made new friends and enjoyed outdoor adventures.

Marie graduated from Santa Cruz High School, class of 1950, where she loved playing volleyball, being with her closest friends and spending time at Cowell Beach. For many years she worked at a variety of downtown soda fountains. She enjoyed the customers and made lifetime friends with her co-workers.

Marie married Wayne Thornton on April 21, 1957, and the Seabright neighborhood became her permanent home. She immersed herself in being a homemaker and volunteer extraordinaire at each of her children's schools and activities. DeLaveaga school recognized her talents and hired her as their Yard Duty Supervisor where she spent several years. She was delighted to reconnect with former students and was always thrilled when they recognized her. In the late 1970's Marie went to work at the iconic Plaza Bakery in downtown Santa Cruz and continued her career serving customers and greeting old friends.

Marie retired when the Plaza Bakery was destroyed in the 1989 earthquake and transitioned to being a devoted grandmother, dedicated volunteer for many local service organizations and a well-known neighborhood fixture who for decades walked a 2-1/2 mile path in the Seabright neighborhood every day, often with her husband and the family dog.

Following Wayne's passion for the 49ers, she spent many a Sunday at Candlestick Park cheering for the Red and Gold. Over the last 20 years Marie and Wayne enjoyed annual Maui vacations and became recognizable fixtures on the youth, teen and now adult sports circuit, supporting their youngest grandchild whose athletic skills matched and maybe exceeded their own.

Marie is survived by her husband of 68 years, Wayne Thornton, daughters Debbie and Jamie, grandchildren Kari, Robert and Michaela, great granddaughters Alayah and Kaylinn. The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude Continuum Hospice and caregivers Erika, Sandra and Neveah, for their loving, kind and exemplary care during these last months.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 11:00am at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 515 Frederick St. Santa Cruz CA 95062. All are welcome and encouraged to wear colorful attire. Reception to follow. The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude Continuum Hospice

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