Carolyn Jean Thornton

Carolyn Jean Thornton, 84, of Danbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 25, 1941, in Santa Monica, California, she was the daughter of the late John and Frances (Bell) Rankin. Carolyn’s family later relocated to New Castle, Delaware, where she
graduated from William Penn High School in 1959. That same year, at just 17 years old, she married the love of her life, Joseph Wayne Thornton, on June 13, beginning a beautiful
marriage that lasted more than 66 years.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Carolyn built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. She was an active member of Brookfield First since 1981, where she joyfully
volunteered in the Sunday school program and often helped prepare and serve lunches following memorial services. Carolyn truly embodied her Christian faith—she was kind, selfless, and
compassionate, always seeing the good in others and offering love without hesitation.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Wayne; her children Joseph W. Thornton Jr. (Christine), Mark S. Thornton (Doreen), Beverly J.
Thornton, Matthew C. Thornton (Tammy), and John W. Thornton (Melissa Darveau); her cherished grandchildren Mark Jr., Johnny, Jeffrey, Luke, Noah, Zachary, and Jacob; and
great-grandchildren Ashton, Austin, and Stella. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Marilyn.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Brookfield First (133 Junction Road, Brookfield). Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 9:00–10:00
a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Wooster Cemetery (20 Ellsworth Avenue, Danbury).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Carolyn’s memory to either the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury (wcogd.org), or Hopeline Pregnancy Center
(hopelineprc.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Danbury Memorial Funeral Home (117 South Street, Danbury). To send condolences, please visit www.danburymemorial.com.

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