Janet Carol Thorne

Born in Moline, Illinois, in 1940, Jan was the daughter of Everett and Loretta (Harkcom) Rummery. She graduated from Moline High School, Class of 1958, and earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in February 1962 from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. During her time there, she was an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Pi Lambda Theta, the honor society for education professionals.

She married Stephen Thorne in 1962; they later divorced in 1978. Jan taught first grade in Iowa City, IA, Davenport, IA, and Wisconsin Rapids, WI, until her children were born. She then dedicated herself to raising her family. Once Brad and Susan were older, she pursued a new career path in banking and then finance at Rockford College (now Rockford University), retiring in 2006.

Jan was a devoted member of First Free Church in Rockford and served on the board of many educational, church, and community organizations. Throughout her life, Jan enjoyed bowling, golfing, and ballroom dancing (plus disco dancing in the '70s!), in addition to cheering on her children in their youth activities. She also generously volunteered her time at OSF St. Anthony Hospital, Midway Village Museum, First Free Church, and the Center for Learning in Retirement (CLR) at Rock Valley College.

Jan's longtime hobby was antiques, crafts, and collectibles. For many years, she had multiple booths at Hidden Treasures in Loves Park, IL, where she enjoyed her time meeting wonderful friends, vendors, and customers.

Jan is survived by her son, Brad (Gina) Thorne of Colorado Springs, CO; her daughter, Susan Williams of Chatham, IL; her grandchildren, Taye Glass of Springfield, IL, Desiree Cole of Tampa, FL, Skyler Thorne of Pueblo, CO, and Aidan Thorne of Colorado Springs, CO; and her brother, Lee (Joan) Rummery of Waterford, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents and many aunts and uncles.

A private ceremony to celebrate Jan's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Jan’s lifelong dedication to her faith and community, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to First Free Church, 2223 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107.