Fern B. Thornton, 89, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026. Born on January 20, 1937, in Steger, Illinois.

 Fern lived a life marked by deep faith, quiet generosity, and a lifelong devotion to her family and community. Fern was a woman of remarkable education and purpose. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialty in reading, and dedicated over 32 years of her life to teaching elementary school in both Indiana and Florida, shaping young minds and nurturing a love of learning in countless children. Her passion for education was evident to everyone who knew her.

 At home, Fern expressed her love through her hands — sewing with skill and care and baking the pies that made her a beloved fixture of her church community. Known affectionately as “the Pie Lady,” she had a gift for bringing people together around the table, and her baking was an extension of the same generous spirit she brought to everything she did. She was a woman of strong and abiding faith, a devoted member of Calvary Lutheran Church, where she was an active participant in the women’s society for many years.

 She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Les Thornton. Fern is survived by her sons, Brian and his wife Patti, and Jim Thornton; her grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) and Patrick (Phil); and five great-grandchildren. 

 A celebration of Fern’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church1239 West Del Webb Blvd, Sun City Center, Florida 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of Fern's favorite charities, Dogs Inc (formerly Southeast Guide Dogs) dogsinc.org Fern leaves behind a legacy not measured in accomplishments, but in the lives, she touched — as a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend.

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