I can't believe it is coming up on two years since she is gone. How very happy she is in heaven to see how well her growing family is doing. Peace, joy , prayers and happy memories to the Thornton family!!!

I was so very very sorry to hear about Moira.  I went to school with her at Pillar and also Viz and have many happy  memories of her and the Fitzgerald family.  I know she will be very missed by many people.   I'll be keeping the Thornton and Fitzgerald families in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz Carey Hallemann  

Jack, Shane, Kim, Cade, and Juel,

I was so saddened to learn of your mom's passing.  She was like a second mom to the entire Dunston Dr/Apache Trail neighborhood.   I have so many fond memories of spending what seems like every summer day at your house playing pick-up basketball games, soccer games, roller hockey games, that weird dodge-ball game we made up on your trampoline, etc.  Looking back, it takes an incredibly generous, patient, and caring person to open their doors to a bunch of rambunctious kids all summer long, to look after them all day, to let them raid your kitchen, and to make sure no one gets hurt in the aforementioned dodge-ball game.  I remember her biggest rule being that you don't leave anyone out.  Everyone - all ages - were included in the games we concocted in the back yard.  Every kid should be so lucky to have a Moira Thornton in their neighborhood.  I don't presume to know what you all are feeling right now, but I hope you take solace knowing that the same generous, patient, caring, and creative spirit lives on in your dad and all of you guys.  The Barretts are all thinking of your family and sending prayers your way.  I look forward to hearing and sharing more Moira stories at J. McGraugh's the next time I'm in town.          

Our deepest condolences.  It was a beautiful and touching ceremony.

Love, Brian & Sri Sullivan

Rick and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Moira's passing. I have such good memories of her. She was the best mom! The love she had for her children was tremendous. The love she had for you, Rick, was an inspiration.
She will be missed.



Dear Thornton Family, It has been a rich blessing being your neighbor and watching your Mom love on you fiercely. She loved her family. She positively glowed as she talked about each of you.  I LOVED watching you play basketball and now understand it’s importance to your Mom. She will be missed and her legacy will live on in each of you. Rick, we are here. Praying for you as we all grieve.  Your Mom is in heaven with our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Thank you for the Livestream of your Mom’s funeral. She will be missed by so many. In His Steadfast Grip, The Barron Family 

Dear Thornton Family,

I am so terribly sorry for your loss.  I can't imagine how hard it is. 
 Stay strong! Please know that you have many people who will continue to love you all and will be there to support and embrace you!

Sincerely,
Patrick Ostapowicz

Dear Rick, Jack, Shane, Kim, Cade, and Juel,

We are very sorry for your loss.  Moira will be missed deeply by our family.  She has been a wonderful, dear neighbor for many years.  Our thoughts are with you as you grieve.  Moira was a lovely, dear, spunky and kind person.  We have many cherished memories of watching your family grow and flourish.
Love,
Lynn and Ken Lowrance 

Thornton and Fitzgerald family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.  The Ruzicka family has so many fond memories of Moira and the Fitzgeralds during our years at Our Lady of the Pillar.

My sympathy and prayers.....nice memories of a wonderful family who supported St. Richard school and teachers.  I'll be joining you in prayer by livestream.

Rick and Family- I'm truly sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of great times spent with Moria in high and college. She had a heart of gold and was a fierce, loyal friend.  

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear."

My thoughts and prayers are with the Thornton/Fitzgerald families.

Sheila McShane

Dear Thornton & Fitzgerald Families,
I’m so sorry for your loss. In reading these memories, Moira truly was beyond special in so many ways and beloved by so many people. How all 43 of us cousins, along with aunts & uncles fit into Lazzeri’s home for Thanksgiving was an Irish miracle for sure! My son, Michael, a WASHU alumni shared that your Irish pub was loved by him as well as many fellow students. Please take comfort in knowing that God stays near to the broken-hearted 💔

Thornton family, you were like an extension of my family growing up. And Moira was like a second mom. I’m so sorry for your loss, and here for you in any way that I can help support. I remember Moira’s toasted peanut butter banana sandwiches and when she let us watch our first rated R movie in the basement, The Leprechaun. She was so caring and so quick to call me out on any of my nonsense. She had and will always have my love and respect. 

RT,

So sorry to hear about the passing of Moira.  We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Dave Menne

So saddened to hear of the loss of Moira. The memories date back to a time of childhood and innocence as schoolchildren that are so joyful and heartfelt they can only bring smiles along with the tears. May the peace of Christ and the memories of her beauty bring  solace and comfort to the Thornton and Fitzgerald families. 

Dear Thornton and Fitzgerald families, I am so sorry for your loss.  Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.      

Moira and I were classmates at Our Lady of the Pillar.  John coached the Pillar basketball team.  Jack and Pat were good friends of my parents, Ann and Jim.  I remember Pat vacationing with us in Michigan. 

 Mickey, John, Terry, Tim, Kerry & Megan: It's been way too long.  

So sad to hear the news of this loss. The best Mom I ever witnessed tied only with Ellen. I’m sure she was the one person who Ellen could talk to about her stresses with me back in the early days. That counseling was appreciated by all. 

All our love and prayers.

To all the Thornton’s , so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers .

To Rick and the entire Thornton Family,

We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet wife and mother, Moira. She was so much fun and so full of energy and life. The thing that impressed me the most was her ability to put others first. There were times when I would ask how she was doing and she would always quickly turn the conversation around to me to see how I was doing! She never wanted to talk about herself or have the limelight shine on her. Moira was truly a selfless person - she gave of herself with all she had! What a beautiful soul.  We have been blessed to know her!  Her light now shines from Heaven and within each one of you. The Faron Family prays for the peace and consolation of the Thornton Family. May He hold you in the Palm of His Hand.

Wayne and Mary Faron


Moria,
I once read that your capacity to love is the only thing you take with you when you leave.  And that, my friend, is why we are all heartbroken. The knowledge that we will never again experience all that love you showered so freely on all of us. 

You'll never be forgotten,
Wendy

Please accept my condolences Thornton and Fitzgerald families. I went to high school with Moira and am shocked and saddened at this news.

Rick:
Please accept my condolences and sympathy.
We have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family.

All the clients at Nutriformance loved Moira.  Whether she taught them Spinning or welcomed them as they arrived to work out, she was a delightful and caring and loving friend to all.  We are so sorry for this tremendous loss.  May God give the family extra strength at this most difficult time and many your many beautiful memories of Moira be a blessing. 

Oh Mo! As I  walk by your house, I see that smirk on your face.  I respect your privacy but wish I could have been there for you.  I’m so glad we reconnected in these past years. I miss your smile & slay jokes. Rest in peace my friend & until we meet again! 

Rick, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure she is in God's hands. I hope you find peace.     Tim.                     

Rick and family....please accept our deepest sympathy.  We will keep you all  in our thoughts and prayers.         
                                                               The Cusicks


I am sad beyond words learning of Mo’s passing.  I was so blessed to know her when I was a bartender for her and Rick and became part of the J. Mack/Thornton family.  Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Sending my love to all.🙏❤️

Rick , Jack, Shane, Kim, Cade and Juel,
We were stunned and heartbroken to hear of your incredible loss.
On behalf of the entire Kleffner family, we send our love and prayers of peace & comfort at this difficult time .
Mo was a force, a devoted mother & wife.  Such an  incredible person and dear friend. Her love , compassion , wisdom and fun loving heart . She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. 
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
We love you all .


Maura, A lovely legend, good friend, best spinning teacher ever. Always a bright light even on the gloomiest of days. She will be greatly missed❤️
Hugs to all the Thorton’s and Fitzgerald’s,
Mike and Terri Hennessey

Rick and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Moira.  Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.  We know she will be missed by many.  Love, Carrie Southerland and Scott Plamp

I first met Moira at Nutriformance and almost immediately we became close.  Moira, for the last 4 years, then became my “Bible Babe” sidekick with Susan D.   I will miss that laugh and giggle that was so contagious! I loved every moment of that Bible Babe Journey I took with you!  We shared sooooo many questions....  
Moira- I hope heaven is everything we talked about it would be plus some! I can’t wait to see you again... I pulled out this little gem you gave Susan and I.. and it is so perfect!  I miss you Kiddo! Love you.. Rest Easy my friend! Xoxo

Moria had an intensity in her love for those around her that was simply special.   Her amplified energy will carry on in our hearts and thoughts.  We mourn and feel blessed for the time we had with her. 

I got to know Rick and Moira at Mizzou and they were so right for each other. So different and so complimentary. Just magical.
After not connecting much over busy years I was able to connect with them through J McGraugh’s after being out of town for many years and every time I would see them they made you feel special. Anyone who knew Moira and Rick was a better person because of it. 
Condolences to the family and now Moira is with our Savior for her eternal reward. 

Rick, Jack, Shane, Kim, Cade and Juel,  
On behalf of the entire Barrett family, we send our love and condolences. Your family was such a big part of all of our lives, especially during the 10 years we were lucky enough to call you neighbors. Moira loved Matt, Mark and Megan like they were her own children. The door to the Thornton's was always open.  We SO enjoyed our time with Rick and Moira, just hanging out watching our kids play, or rooting them on at sporting events at St. Richard. Moira was the BEST friend and neighbor, and we will never forget her. Although we can't be with your family at this time, you are in our thoughts and prayers...XOXO The Barretts

Moira was a dynamic personality and although we lost touch, she was a powerful and positive force in my life.   Moira was deep, caring and her footprint is in my heart.   A great loss. 

Love Kippy

Dear Rick, Thornton and Fitzgerald families,

Please accept our deepest condolences for the sudden loss of Moira. We pray that God will wrap you in His arms and His peace will be felt by each of you. May your cherished memories bring you comfort. As sorrow fills your hearts, heaven’s angels rejoice in welcoming Moira home. 

In Christ’s love and ours,
Jim and Mickie Kohlschreiber

You were unsurpassed in so many ways. You gave way more than you took. You always wore your love like heaven. God Bless you and all the family. Horseman

I met Moira at her spinning class.  I loved her spirit and enthusiasm in class, but most of all I loved her compassion and love she showed to everyone, both in and out of the gym.  She had a heart of gold!  

All I can do is think of all the great times I shared with Moira. She was a very good friend to me and so many people. A great mother and wife.  Moira will be missed for a very long time because she was the one you would go to for strength   My condolences to all of her family you are all in my prayers

Christy

We were all so very sad to hear about your loss. Moira was so much fun, never one to shy away from a party or the next adventure.  She was a bright shiny light in a tiny package!!  We will miss her!  Your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers.  Hopefully you will know when she is with you from time to time, as you know she will be!!  Peace , love and prayers.  Cheers Moira, may the wind always be at your back!!!


With deepest sympathy to all of Moira's family.
I am praying for you. May you be strengthened and comforted.

I am among the very blessed to have known Moira and to be called her friend. I was also "teacher" of our Bible Babes study.  Although much of the time, I was the one learning from Moira. 
She loved God and knew how much she was loved by Him. Her desire (which she often expressed) was that others would also have that knowledge and relationship. 
So Moira loved others well-her family, whom she treasured, her friends, and strangers. 
She made me laugh and she also made me think, as she had deep questions. Well, she is now asking all her questions to the One who has all the answers.
Once, when I was going through a hard time, Moira reminded me of Psalm 46:1-2 (as I said, who really taught who?)
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea."

"Love you kiddo"-see you someday!

My heart goes out to all the Thorntons and Fitzgeralds. I hope the pain subsides quickly and you can all smile at the happy memories. I have such fond memories of Moira. When our children  were young, she was like a second mother to my children. They thought they were Thorntons. She and I used to joke about our pact to help the other one out if we ever got like our mothers and couldn’t remember where we kept our pills. I am shocked and stunned at Moira’s passing.  I’m sure she wanted to live to 100 to share more love with her children and grandchildren. But I know her loving spirit will be kept alive by the wonderful family she raised. I am so sorry Rick, Shane, Jack, Kim, Cade, and Juel... I hope you all find peace. Love you guys

I always realized how special she was in high school and college
Sports writers wrote of her talent on the court...yet she never bragged...in my middle age I had the honor of spending time with her in Michigan on summer vacations and she had not changed only getting better as a wife and mother...
I never stopped being impressed how much Rick and Moira complimented each
other ...whether playing cards together or running their Clayton restaurant they were a team...Always genuinely happy to
see friends ...All our memories of this
remarkable woman should fortify us when ever we are down...May God perpetually shine a light on her soul🎚

Rick, Juel, Shane, Jack, Kim, & Cade, 
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mother.  She was a strong spirit and kind friend.  May your happy memories help you through this sad time and may the peace of our Lord be with you always.  Keeping you in our prayers.
Love, Laura & Kevin Landmann

Moira left a stamp on so many lives and her legacy will live on through all of us who had the pleasure of experiencing that love. She loved 'hard,' and had such pride in her beautiful family. Her love of kids was touching. No baby was allowed past Moira without her swiping the little one up into her arms and swallowing them up with kisses. It's been quite awhile since last time I saw her, but time will not fade my memories.   Sending all my love to the Thornton family...

Words can't even say how shocked and sad I am to hear about Moira. She was so fun and funny! (Driving out of the Viz parking lot with the headscarf on, so she would look like somebody's Mom!) Sincere condolences to the Thornton and Fitzgerald families.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Moira. I had the pleasure of 12 years of schooling at Pillar and Viz with Moira.  We played basketball together for 7 years and she was always kind and fun, besides being the best player on the court. (she always wore the #5) We spent some Halloweens together at Portland Place and saved our Boston Baked Beans for her mom. One of my favorite Moira stories was from a kickball game in a grade school gym class. She kicked the ball across the gym and it went through the basketball hoop on the other side. Of course it did, Moira Fitzgerald kicked it! Condolences to those who loved her and bring them peace. 

Moira was a force - as a mother, wife, grandmother,  business owner, spinning instructor, Nutriformance greeter and motivator, and friend to many.  It’s tragic she is gone at the prime of her life.  Moira gave so much love and energy. Rest In Peace dear Moira .Your friends, Wendy and Jack . 

There isn’t enough space here to write how I am feeling right now. I have so many fun memories with Moira.  From my sisterhood with her at Viz to shenanigans at Mizzou. I could always count on Moira when I needed a partner in crime. She was up for anything. Rest in peace sweet friend. I will see you again. 

Moira was my welcoming committee and go to person for all things needed at Nutriformance and I am saddened for your loss, and for the community’s loss of such a generous and honest soul. Rest In Peace dear girl. 

I'm so sorry Rick.  Moira leaves such a beautiful legacy of love and commitment to family.  I cherish all my memories of her, our friendship, our fun,  her deep curiosity, fierce loyalty, our shenanigans, sharing our teenage  years and young adulthood, and life's twists and turns.  From me, my family and all the Dunnes who knew and loved her: our deepest condolences. 

I'm so sad to hear about Moira. I haven’t seen her in so many years but I have such fond memories of her. She was such a wonderful, caring, happy, and fun-loving person. I will remember her smile & energetic spirit. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. She will be so missed. 

The Thornton's are truly one of the nicest families you could ever meet.  Their matriarch will be missed but her strength and love will continue through her children who are the kindest people.  

-Andrew Dowd

OBITUARY

Moira Jean Thornton

April 14, 1960 – January 18, 2021

Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel

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