Obituary of Gloria Elizabeth Thornton

Gloria Elizabeth Thornton, age 92, of Freehold Township died on December 26, 2018. Her life’s journey was one of accomplishment and loving kindness. She touched the lives of all who knew her.

Gloria was born in New York City on November 13, 1926 to German parents who immigrated during World War I. She excelled in her studies and attended the elite Hunter High School and Hunter College in New York City, majoring in math and the sciences, as well as demonstrating proficiency in music and art. She attended the University of Michigan Graduate School where she obtained a Master’s degree in Chemistry. Gloria was one of the pioneering scientists to develop carbon 14 dating as a way of determining the age of archeological artifacts.  But when she met and married Clarence G. Thornton she became a homemaker exclusively and fulltime mom to her two children, Susan and Scott. She managed her leisure time well enough to squeeze in commitments as a Cub Scout Den mother, a homeroom mother, and active involvement with the School Board.

In mid-life, Gloria returned to University to obtain her degree in Education followed by many successful years teaching preschool children while serving as the Director of Colts Neck Reformed Church Preschool.  Throughout her life, she spoke fondly of all the children she touched in their formative years. Gloria was active in the Colts Neck Reformed Church, and in later life at the Applewood Retirement community. She was a first-class partner to her busy and accomplished husband, and a friend to many.

Gloria leaves behind her daughter, Susan Carol and husband Nigel; her son, Richard Scott and wife Kathleen; four grandchildren, Christine and husband John, Michael and wife Isabel, Elizabeth and husband James and Andrew and wife Sarah; and two great grandchildren, Owen and Ben.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Colts Neck Reformed Church, 139 Route 537, Colts Neck, New Jersey 07722. Friends and family will be received from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and after the service. In memory of this remarkable woman, and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Colts Neck Reformed Church.  Arrangements were under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.