Mary Elizabeth Thornton, 67, of Slatington, died Nov. 16, 2020, in her home.

Born Nov. 27, 1952, in Jersey City, N.J., she was the daughter of the late George F. and Florence G. Thornton.

In her early years, she worked at the World Trade Center/Port Authority.

She most recently worked in customer service before retiring.

A devoted Nana to Kyra and Brady Grabowski, she enjoyed her retirement by spending time with her grandchildren and making happy family memories.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and going on vacations to Maine and the Jersey Shore.

A graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Hoboken, N.J., she was active on the girls basketball team and went on to coach basketball for the high school.

She was an active member of and volunteer at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Stroudsburg.

Funny and quick-witted, she was known for her great one-liners.

She faced her illnesses, RA and Lupus, with great courage and a determination to not let it interfere with her enjoyment of life.

She was kind and loving to her family and friends.

Her survivors include a daughter Catherine E. Grabowski and spouse, Michael P. Grabowski, of Slatington; son Michael P. Morrissey of Emmaus; siblings Eileen Thornton Caris and spouse, Gary Caris, of California, James F. Thornton of Oregon, Ellen Thornton Sgardelis and spouse, Peter Sgardelis, of New Jersey; sister-in-law Roseann Thornton of Texas; nieces Loren Sgardelis of New Jersey, Rachel Caris Love of California and Emily Caris of New York; nephews Daniel and Sean Thornton of Arizona; grandchildren Kyra and Brady Grabowski, and Preston Morrissey; and many loving cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her brother George (Jeff) Thornton.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Northern Lehigh Valley Food Bank and/or to Lehigh County Meals on Wheels both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.