Barbara was born in Malden, raised in Sharon, Quincy and a graduate of Quincy High School.
Barbara had a distinguished career in insurance and risk management. She worked her way to the top of her profession, over her 40+ years in the field, culminating in her being the first female director and executive vice president appointed to the Board of Frank B. Hall of MA.
Barbara believed strongly in improving the profession through ongoing education and as such, she was the driving force behind the re-establishment of the education program at the Insurance Library Assoc. of Boston, which began in 1890. A person who walked the walk as well as talking the talk, Barbara taught a class with some 30 students in the first term of the education program’s renaissance. In recognition of those efforts, and the respect accorded by her colleagues on the Library’s Board of Trustees, the Library established the Barbara Thornton Award, which is presented to an outstanding student annually in her honor. She held numerous professional designations including the respected Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. Barbara served as a role model and mentor, particularly for women aspiring for an insurance career. Her customer focused orientation was a hallmark of her reputation.
When Barbara was not working she enjoyed sewing, knitting and china painting.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Janis DeLoach and her husband Jeb of Marshfield, three grandchildren, Charlene DeLoach Oliver and her husband Craig of Natick, Justin DeLoach and his wife Cynthia of Plymouth and Christian DeLoach and his wife Stacey of Ballston Spa, NY and six great grandchildren, Alexander, William (Liam), Nathaniel, Gwendolyn, Emma and Lily.
Friends and family are invited to visitation hours on Friday, March 22nd in the Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Rd, Scituate from 4PM to 8PM. A funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 23rd at 10AM at the First Trinitarian Congregational Church, 381 Country Way, Scituate. Burial to follow in Trinity Park Cemetery, Scituate.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s name may be made to The Barbara Thornton Award Fund, c/o Brookline Bank, 448 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482.
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