Margaret Catherine (Wiss) Donnelly Thornton was born on October 4, 1940 in Columbus, Ohio to John “Jack” Wiss and Lucille (Manney) Wiss. Growing up, Margaret defied many stereotypes of the day. She was an avid reader of science fiction starting in her teen years. In college she earned her single-engine pilot’s license and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Geodetic Science. She took a job with the US Geological Service working out of offices in both Washington DC and New York City on survey projects for the growing Interstate Highway System. She met her first husband, Mac, in 1965 while on a summer assignment to survey the eastern half of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They were married in September 1966. After Mac’s passing in June 1977 she focused on her children and her faith, being an active member and organist at St. Mary Catholic Church of Williamston, MI. In 1980, she met Dexter who was also recently widowed and a member of St. Mary parish. They married on Valentine’s Day 1981 and combined their two large families into one big, crazy bunch. Margaret and Dexter read the bible and prayed together every morning of their 40 years of marriage. Margaret will be remembered as a generous and caring person who lived her faith daily.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, John Wiss, Dr. Mary Wiss M.D., and Martha Blakeman as well as her first husband, Mac Donnelly, Jr. and her second husband, Dexter Thornton. She is survived by her children, Tim (Susan) Thornton, Steve (Laurie) Thornton, Lynda (Jack) Manack, Kimberly Norton, Mac Donnelly III, Joseph Donnelly, Lisa (David) Vering, Ann Donnelly, Ruth (David) Wiles, Kristina (Paul) Latunski and Mary (Paul) Trufant; grandchildren, Katherine Thornton, Geoffrey (Lindsey) Thornton, Christopher Thornton, Camille (Gabriel) Heikes, Rebecca Manack, Victoria Manack, Eric Vering, Danielle Vering, Emily Wiles, Joshua Wiles, Alex Latunski, Andrew Latunski, and Zena Latunski; great-grandchildren, Lily, Charlotte, Finnley, Brighton and Elliott along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, December 29, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Williamston. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel, with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 pm, and on Friday from 10:00-11:00 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St Vincent Catholic Charities or to your local food bank in her memory.
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