Nancy J. Thornton

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Rose) DeSouza, she had resided in Dartmouth for the past 45 years. She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, class of 1957.

Mrs. Thornton had worked for Merchants National Bank, the Nynex Telephone Company and also was a leader at Weight Watchers.

Nancy was an avid quilter, a member of the Paskamansett Quilters Guild and a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum for 20 years. Being very interested in Dartmouth town affairs, Nancy was Chairman of the Dartmouth Historical Commission and a member of the Community Preservation Committee.

Surviving in addition to her husband is her son, Peter A. Thornton and his wife Lauren of Dartmouth and her daughter, Catherine A. Raker and her husband David of Lake Orion, Michigan; three grandchildren, Patrick Thornton and Katie and Emma Raker; three brothers, Carl, David and Richard DeSouza; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Joyce DeSouza.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 4-7pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740.