Penelope Thornton

Penelope Atkin Thornton passed away on September 12, 2020 in Lansing MI after living a full life of 68 years. She was born in the Upper Peninsula city of Sault Ste. Marie on Sept. 1, 1952. She was born prematurely which led to her being blind from birth. Despite that , she travelled to most states in the United States. She lived in Detroit, Ann Arbor and East Lansing, Michigan as well as a short residence in Florida. Her parents were Ken and Jane Atkin of East Lansing.

East Lansing was a fortunate place to grow up because it was close to Michigan School for the Blind. She enjoyed many of her teachers there and still maintained contact with fellow students. Her fondest moment was singing in the choir for a Christmas program in which Stevie Wonder also took part. She ultimately graduated from East Lansing High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in the 1970’s.

In the work world, she enjoyed a lengthy career at Michigan Bell as an employment interviewer. She has many wonderful memories of the company and supportive colleagues who took care of each other at the Detroit headquarters. Her greatest enjoyment later in life came from helping people out by phone for hours every day.

Although fiercely independent, she was always willing to lend a hand. This included providing verbal support to friends around the country as well as helping serve hot chocolate at Michigan State football games. She could also be counted on to attend Lions Club meetings.

Penny’s memory will be treasured by her brothers, Thomas Atkin of Cotati, CA and David Atkin of Willington, CT. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing.

Donations can be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills or Meals on Wheels, both of which were helpful to her. There is no service planned.