Visitation:
202 W. Maple Street Willard OH 44890 12/2/2009 15:00:00
Service:
202 W. Maple Street Willard OH 44890 12/3/2009 11:00:00
Marilyn (McFadden) Thornton, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 29, 2009, in her home at 710 Ash Street in Willard, Ohio. Surrounding and lovingly embracing her were all five of her children.
Marilyn was born on February 27, 1925, in Willard, the only child of Irva Irene (Moomaw) McFadden and Robert Henry McFadden, who preceded her in death in 1989 and 1963. Except for a few years after World War II, Marilyn was a lifelong resident of Willard.
Marilyn married Martin Kenneth Thornton on September 27, 1943, while Kenneth was serving in the Navy during World War II. Kenneth preceded her in death on March 24, 2006. Marilyn is survived by her eternally loving children Martin Robert (Betty) Thornton of Atlanta, Georgia; Susan Kathryn (Paul) Zdroik of Willard; James Clay (Kathleen) Thornton of Stuart, Florida; Joan Marie Thornton of Columbus, Ohio; and Melissa Jane (Ronald) Butler of Columbus, Ohio. Also surviving are her grandchildren Sarah Elizabeth Thornton; Paul Adam, Lauren Kathryn, and Scott Kenneth Zdroik; Jay David Thornton, Colleen Aubrey Costea, and Maura Megan (Costea) Buck.
Marilyn was a graduate of Willard High School. During the war, she travelled by rail to meet Kenneth at every U.S. port of call when he was on leave from the amphibious forces of the Navy in the Pacific Theater. Following the war, they settled in Cleveland, Ohio, while Kenneth completed his undergraduate studies and law school and Marilyn worked for the Standard Oil Company. They returned to Willard where she and Kenneth raised their five children. After raising her children, Marilyn worked at the law practice founded by Kenneth and his brother Robert Thornton.
An avid golfer, Marilyn and Kenneth were founding members of the Willard Golf Club. Marilyn also won the Ladies’ Club Championship and taught several of her children how to play the game. She maintained lifelong friendships with many special people and opened her heart and home to many who needed a haven.
Marilyn had an unfailingly positive attitude and served as a guiding light and source of comfort and refuge for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Marilyn was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt and leaves behind saddened but profoundly appreciative family and friends.
Friends may call at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. and 7:00-9:00 P.M. with a Vigil Service at 9:00 P.M. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 11:00 A.M. with Marilyn’s and Kenneth’s friend of many years, Deacon Paul Jones, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Willard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Willard Mercy Hospital, the Willard High School Centennial Scholarship Fund, or Stein Hospice of Sandusky, Ohio. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
It was an honor and pleasure to be involved in the care of your amazingly wonderful mom. She was first class in every respect despite life handing her troubling issues. She used to give me a little goodbye peck on the cheek and say “you are all right kid.” She will be fondly remembered by me and the staff at Great Lakes Transitional Care. Thank you Marilyn for making my life richer and blessed by knowing you. God’s peace to you and your family.
Dr. Darrin R Bunting
To The Thornton Family, My deepest sympathies are with you at this time of loss. Marilyn was a very special person that I got to have the pleasure to get to know. I loved being able to help her with household chores. She was like a Grandmother to me and my children.A Very caring a loving person. She will never be forgotten by me or my family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at time.
Dear Susie, Joni, Missy, Bob & Jim,
I was so saddened by the death of your Mom. Our families have been tied together for so long. I’m sure you all are so sorry to lose her, but at the same time, thankful that there is no more suffering. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you all but you were and are still in my thoughts and prayers. When I come to visit Daddy’s resting place, I will make an extra stop to say hi to your folks. My love to all.
Dear Thornton Family,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. I have very happy memories of the Thornton family living across the street. Sled riding down that hill, sleep overs with Joannie, and any and all of the mischief that we as kids could get into. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of need. May God Bless
Linda Hart-Riley
I was going to send a snail mail letter of sympathy, but I decided this the best way to get my heartfelt thoughts to each of you. This Hopi prayer was sent to me when my mother completed her circle of life. I found it very comforting.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning light and the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there. I did not die.
This gave me much needed peace. Sal Turner
Susie, you, Paul, your family and your extended family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Harriet
We’re sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & the extended Thornton family during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies for your entire family. All my memories of your mom are fond ones. The memories from the summers spent at the beach with your family always bring a smile to my face.
Dear Bob, Jim, Susie, Joan and Missy,
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your wonderful mother. I have many special neighborhood memories of your family that I cherish despite the years and living on a different continent. I saw your Mom briefly in August 2009, which made my visit back to Willard memorable. “Mrs. Thornton” will always live in my collective youth memory as a sincere, gracious and caring lady. I remember with you, the life of someone so dear. Mary Myers-Bosari. Milan, Italy
On behalf of my family, I wish to extend to you our deepest sympathies at the recent loss of your beloved mother, Marilyn. She will be greatly missed. May the good Lord FILL you with His peace and comfort at this very sad time.
Margaret Drury, for the Drury family (John, Rosanna, Mary Kay, and Jean)
Joni, My prayers are with you and your family. May you find peace and comfort knowing that your Mom is in a better place. Darlene
Susie, sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You are in our prayers.
Dear Bob,Susie,Jim,Joanie,& Missy,and Family,
What a lovely lady and a great Mom! We trust that she has a new body in Christ and knows only joy. May your hearts be comforted as you remember all her wise ways and hardy laughs.
You are in our prayers.
Missy,Joni,Susie,Jim and Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I remember numerous “overnighters” at your house and was always (good or bad) treated like family.
Know that you are in my thoughts.I understand your pain and wish you all peace thru such a difficult time.
Diane(Snook)Swartzmiller
To the Thornton Family-So sorry to hear about your mothers passing. I don’t remember much about
living in Willard but have heard many stories about the Thornton family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Spook
To the family of Marilyn,
I want to sextend my deepest sympathy to your family at the death of Marilyn. In the very short time I was able to visit her here at Mercy Willard Hospital, I could see how special she was. I will always remember her eyes and her smile. I was privileged to do healing prayer for her. She touched my spirit in such a short time. I pray that you will continue to spread the gift of her life to all you encounter. God bless you.
Sister Diane
Fifi and I send our thoughts and prayers to all the Thornton family. I knew your parents for many years and always enjoyed seeing them. You all have been given a great legacy.
Our thoughts and prayers to you all in the loss of your mother. While I have not seen her for many years, I remember her and your dad both as being very special people. My dad, grandfather and I built your dad and mom’s house back in the 1950’s. It was a pleasure to have known them. God bless you all.
Joni,
We’re sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Susan, John, and Hannah Macko
Melissa,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.My thoughts are with you each day.
Love,
Pam
To all of the Thornton family: Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers over the loss of your mother. I remember fondly the time we spent together growing up and how wonderful your mother was to me and my brothers and sisters. She always made us feel welcome and never seemed to care how many of us were in the house playing at the same time.
May God bless you all and comfort you in this time of loss.
Marilyn,Treva and I were a threesome to be reckoned with when we were younger. I will be thinking of all of her family in their time of loss, while I remember all the good times we three enjoyed. Maryalice McEntee Clark
Stan and I both have very great memories or your mom. She will be missed by so many people May God keep you in His loving arms as you draw strength from your loving family. Our prayers that you may expeience comfort in this difficult time. Jolynn and Stan Ware
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. What a great person. We often talk about our old neighbors…what a great time that was. We would like to make the trip to Willard but Herb’s poor
health won’t allow it. Our prayers are with you.
Veronica
Wow, a matriarch has completed her circle of life. Donn and Liz just called. My family sends our condolences for your family’s loss. I remember the memories of the back yard lobster feasts! I remember your Mom riding her slow (ha-ha)scooter down the alley. I remember how she would always agree to wash our living room window for my Mom. Both your parents are embedded in my childhood!
My thoughts are with all of you, Sal Turner
Bob, Betty, and Sarah – My prayers are with you during this time. I’m so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do when you’re all back home, please let me know.
Dear Bob, Susie, Jim, Joanie and Missy,
I am sending you my sympathy and to let you know how much I will miss “Mrs. Thornton”. She was so special to me when I was growing up and I always loved the attention she gave me when I would come over to give her a rose from Mom’s rose garden. Once I left Willard, a visit home was not complete until I was able to see her and say hello. She was smart, funny, witty and told a great story. I will miss her very much and I will keep all of you in my prayers. Love, “Barbie” Myers
Melissa,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You and your family are in my prayers.
Melissa, I am so sorry for your great loss. You and your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa, Sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To the Thornton family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. May it comfort you to know that others care and share in your loss. Your mother and father are together again.
May God grant you peace and comfort.
God Bless you,
Cynthia and Dennis Branham
Summertown, Tennessee
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Dear Bob, Jim, Susie, Joni, and Missy, You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother was a wonderful lady and mother-in-law to our sister, Betty. She will be missed by many people. God blessed her and your Dad with a wonderful family. May God be with you during this time. Love, Carole and Denny
Melissa, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To the Thornton family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Bob, Betty and Sarah,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
We send our love.
Our sympathies go out to the Thornton family for your loss. May the support of your family and friends as well as the memories you keep in your heart comfort you in the days ahead.
Missy, Susie and Joanie – I am sorry to hear about your mom. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Shelley
Susie, You have my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. God Bless You All.
Robert, Susie, Jim, Joanie, and Missy: We send our sympathy to you at this time of great loss. Your mother was very special to us and a great part of our lives in the neighborhood. We have lost a very dear person and wonderful friend. Your mother was so special.
Words can not express my sorrow…..Your mother was a very special person to me. I have the utmost respect and admiration for her. She was a wonderful person in everyway…mother, wife, friend, woman and truly a lady to love. I cherish my time having worked for your father and with with your mother at the lawfirm. God Bless you all!
Dear Joan,
Don and I are very sad for you and your family. Losing your mother is one of the hardest things in the world. Sending much love your way.
Ronda and Don
Joan and family, our deepest sympathies are with you at this time. My time in Columbus was made special by your family including your mom. I know how close you all are and that started with your parents. God has made a new home for them both and I think in time you will find comfort in that. Our prayers are with you all.
Jim, Kathy and little Riley
May your faith, family and friends be with you during this difficult time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Susie, Joanie, Missy,Bob & Jim: My heart is saddened for your loss, yet joyful for the peace that Marilyn has surely found.Thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with all of us!You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bryan,Courtney,Mac & Mason
Melissa and family – My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
Melissa –
I’m so sorry to hear the news. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
Melissa,
I am so very sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tara Rigsbee
Melissa-I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You are in my thoughts.
Bob and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. I will never forget her as she was always so sweet to me when we were together and loved getting Christmas cards with pictures of Pierce.
I love you all!
Cynthia
Bob, Susie, Jim, Joni, and Missy: I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a strong and loving role model for all of you and I kinow all of you will dearly miss her. My deepest sympathy to each of you.
Bob, Betty, Sarah and all of your family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
TO MARILYNS FAMILY YOUR MOTHER WAS A SPECIAL PERSON AND WAS A GOOD FRIEND OF MY MOTHER’S, (GLORIA) SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND LAUGH READY. YOU HAVE MY CONDOLENCES.