Shirley L. Thornton – Age 88, wife of the late Charles E. Thornton Jr., died peacefully at Sunny Acres Nursing Home on June 3, 2025.
She was born in Cranston, RI, July 5, 1936, a daughter of the late Joseph and Hazel Sharpe. After her marriage she moved from Somerville to Billerica 55 years ago.
Shirley was a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and most recently a great-great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family, walking all around town, telling life stories, going to church and knitting for many charities. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church of Burlington.
She is survived by her children, Robert Thornton of Citrus Springs, FL, Elizabeth Llewellyn and her husband Richard of Citrus Springs, FL, Joan Thornton-Bates of Vernal, UT, and Lisa Hannon and her husband William of North Billerica. She was the mother of the late Carol Thornton and Linda Ryan. Shirley is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
A visitation will be held Saturday, June 7 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. A service will be held at 12 p.m. and Shirley’s burial will take place at the Fox Hill Cemetery in Billerica. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Epilepsy Foundation, www.epilepsy.com
Previous Events
Visitation
7
Jun
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Service
7
Jun
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Burial
7
Jun
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
