Obituary of Elizabeth J. Thornton

Dearest Family and Friends, Due to the recent rise in Covid-19 transmissions, we regret to inform you that the Memorial Service for our mother, Betty Thornton, scheduled for Friday, August 20th, is canceled. Only immediate family - her children and grandchildren - will gather in person. We would like to extend a much safer invitation for you to come together with us to celebrate herlong and wonderful life. Please join us, via live video, on Friday, August 20th, at 4:00 PM at the following address: https://bucksiu.zoom.us/j/98739494402 Meeting ID: 987 3949 4402 We offer a heartfelt thank you for your understanding in these difficult and uncertain times. Sincerely, Jim, Tom, Betsy, Mark, and Kathy THORNTON Elizabeth J. A curious and loving soul, Betty had a way of making you feel special just upon encountering her. Even as she prepared to leave us, she provided us with much needed humor to counter the grief we were about to experience. Betty was an avid reader. Her endless curiosity, open mindedness, and love of learning shaped the way she interacted with everyone she encountered. She loved sharing what she was learning, often taking notes as if she were still in school, and cutting out clips from newspapers or magazines that would be of interest to her loved ones. While she expressed regret in never having pursued some of the more creative dreams she seemed to have had, she experienced them vicariously by helping others pursue their passions. Betty never fully realized the impact she had on many peoples lives. Often, if she had a moment alone with you, or in passing, she would not hesitate to remind you how special you are. She is remembered fondly by her family, but also by most people who were lucky enough to cross paths with her. She had a way of making anyone feel special when you were in her presence, with her inquisitive nature and caring demeanor. Thornton, Elizabeth J. (nee Mackle) August 5th 2021. Beloved wife of James and loving mother of James (Cheryl), Thomas (Pat), Betsy Legault (John), Mark (Pamela) and Kathy Devinney (Larry). Sadly missed by her 12 grandchildren Jim, Pat, Laura, Joshua, Shannon, Carissa, Nicole, Sean, Mark, Larry, Christine, Austin and her great grandchildren Finnegan, Christopher, Aidan, Kia, Katelyn, Thomas and Logan. Betty is predeceased by her 4 sisters Mary Hopper, Peggy Rice, Helen Tobin, Janet Dooley and predeceased by her brother James Mackle. Please join us in celebrating our Mother's beautifully full and long life, Friday August 20th at the Devinney Household, 488 Holly Knoll Drive, Churchville PA 18966. There will be a family greeting beginning at 3 pm, and a memorial service immediately following. We would love for everyone to stay after for drinks, food, and music as we give Betty a true Irish goodbye, and celebrate her life together. Dress comfortably for the weather, Irish gear gets bonus points. The service and the gathering afterwards will be outdoors. A Zoom link will be sent out closer to the date for those wishing to listen to the memorial service. Arrangement were made by: Malloy Funeral Home 625 Byberry Road Philadelphia PA 19116 www.rrfunerals.com Paul Brian Sweeney FD.