- Date Of Birth: July 21, 1948
- Date Of Death: February 25, 2016
- State: Michigan
Mary Ann Thorne, born July 21,1948, formerly of Kalamazoo, died in Cape Coral, FL, on February 25, 2016. Mary Ann, the beloved daughter of Virgil F. Thorne and Gladys B. Thorne, graduated from University High School, Kalamazoo, and Hope College, Holland, MI. Mary Ann worked as a school teacher (Plymouth, MI) and in retail sales (Goldwater’s, Phoenix, AZ and Crain’s Chicago Business). Her last employment extending over 10 years, involved educational testing throughout the country with Westat. Mary Ann’s greatest distinguishing achievement was her faith-based response to her cancer.
Although ruing her plight, Mary Ann never complained and always encouraged others, even while suffering pain. Mary Ann lived for over 30 years in Chicago and its environs. During that time she spent several years caring for, and nurturing, a needy orphan. Chicago was a fertile field for two of her passions, shopping and reading the newspaper. Mary Ann attended Willow Creek Community Church, both in Barrington, IL and in Chicago. The church was a source of joy and great comfort, particularly after learning of her terminal cancer diagnosis. Mary Ann always looked forward to the church’s annual Global Leadership Summit. She enjoyed annual winter vacations in Florida with her family.
Mary Ann is survived by her brother, Thomas W Thorne; sister-in-law, Sandra Hays Thorne; niece, Julia (Joe) Hartlieb; nephew, Hays (Liz) Hitzing; and great nieces and nephews, Lucy Hartlieb, Charles Hartlieb, Bert Hitzing and Lyda Hitzing, and cousins. Mary Ann had a special place in her heart for family members Lucy Hartlieb and Charles Hartlieb. A word of thanks is due many including Vera Amato and Jill VanderVeen, numerous members of Second Reformed Church and Cape Christian Fellowship, and Christina Springer.
