Obituary of Joan Rita Thornton

Joan Rita Thornton died peacefully in her 95th year on August 26, 2024 surrounded by loving family.

Born February 12, 1930 in New York, NY to Mary and Joseph Schlinkert, Joan was predeceased by her husband of 51 years,  Richard, her daughter Eileen and grandson Peter.   She is survived by her daughters Susan (Mark) of Chapel Hill, NC , Jo-Anne of Lawrenceville, and son Richard (Eileen) of Lawrenceville.  She was the much-loved grandmother of Julianne, Melissa (James), Michael, Caroline, Brian, Patrick, Kathleen and Siobhan, and great grandmother to Harper, Adalynn and Theodore.

Joan earned a BS in History from Fordham University and taught high school social studies before pausing to raise her family.  She later returned to work for the Gallup Organization in Princeton, NJ before retiring to enjoy travelling with her husband.

A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 10:30AM at The Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. 

Interment will be held at St. Hedwig Cemetery, Ewing Twp., NJ

There will be no calling hours.