Gloria M. Thornley

Gloria M Thornley passed away peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the age of 95.

Gloria was born February 18, 1929 in Danielson, CT to Mildred and Rae Wood. She grew up in Danielson, CT on her parent’s farm with her two sisters Elaine and Caroline (Jo).  She graduated from Killingly High School in 1947 and went on to continue her education in nursing school.  While in high school she met Tom, the love of her life.  They eloped in 1952 and remained inseparable celebrating each succeeding year until Tom’s passing in October 2023. Together they raised two children, Glenn and Martha. She was a constant and consistent source of love, kindness, guidance and perspective that was always positive and available regardless the circumstances.  There was never a bad day with Mom!

She was a Registered Nurse trained at Roger Williams Hospital in Providence RI and went on to Yale university for additional training.  She worked as a psychiatric nurse for a period of time at McLean Psychiatric Hospital in Belmont Mass and later as a newborn/pediatric nurse in New Brunswick, NJ. She stopped working for a number of years and devoted her time to raising her two children.  Upon becoming an empty nester Gloria went back to “work” as a volunteer at the Wilmington General Hospital.  She would make volunteer work her mission over the balance of her life.  When Tom’s job was transferred to Coral Gables, FL she took on the role of Director of Volunteer Services with South Miami Baptist Hospital and remained in that role until relocating to Arlington VA in 1982.  Once in Arlington she became involved with hospice care and worked at Hospice of Northern Virginia as the Director of Volunteers.  Tom’s job finally brought them back to Wilmington in 1985 and she took on two new roles, the first as Director of Volunteers with Delaware Hospice and then finally as the Director of Volunteers at the Nemours Children’s Hospital.

Upon Tom’s retirement the couple would spend the winter at PGA West in La Quinta, California. Never one to sit still Gloria once again volunteered this time at the Eisenhower Medical Center. When the annual travel to the desert became too difficult, they remained in Wilmington year-round. They continued to enjoy their long and happy retirement enjoying and caring for their family as it grew over time.  She loved and enjoyed her grand and great-grandchildren enormously.

Gloria was predeceased by Tom her loving husband of 71 years, her parents, and sister Elaine Howland. She is survived by her two children, Glenn and his wife Susan of Greensboro, NC, and Martha of Wilmington, DE; three grandchildren, Douglas and his wife Anna of Reno, NV, David and his wife Suzy of Wilmington DE, and Caitlin of Los Angeles, CA; and 4 great grandchildren, Elizabeth (Libby), Potter, Meredith (Molly), and Sarah, all of Reno, NV; Her sister Jo Burnett of Belvedere, CA and many nieces and nephews.

Gloria’s family wishes to express their most sincere thanks to the staff at Stonegates Health Care Center for the excellent care and support that she received.