Maureen McGarrity Thornton

Maureen McGarrity Thornton, 89, of Lyme passed away peacefully on December 10, 2023 at Middlesex Hospital after a sudden illness. Born on December 3, 1934 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, she was the loving daughter of the late William and Helen (Burns) McGarrity. She is survived by her son, Jay Thornton and his daughter Emily Rose Bruton, her daughter Maureen (Thornton) Guenther, and her children Garrity, Gus, and Maggie Guenther, her nephew William Farley, his wife Shelly, and their children Liam, Hayes and Scott. Maureen is predeceased by her sister Barbara (John) Farley and niece Barbara Mooney. She cherished her many friendships.

A 1956 graduate of Salve Regina College in Newport, Rhode Island, Maureen was a lifelong elementary school teacher. She was devoted to the Old Saybrook Public School Community. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, reading and being in nature. Maureen adored spending time with her beloved pets.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 11:00am at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 (860) 434-1669. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (800) 822-6344.