Joan Teresa Thornton

Joan Teresa Thornton (nee Anspake), of Hawley, Pennsylvania, died on May 22, 2019, at age 83. She was born on September 18, 1935 in Maspeth, NY. She lived much of her life in Huntington Station, NY before relocating to Hemlock Farms in Hawley, Pennsylvania. Joan was the loving wife of James J. Thornton, Jr. of Hawley for nearly sixty-three years. She was mother to James J. III, and Diana Marie. Joan was a devout parishioner at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church in Lords Valley, Pennsylvania.

Joan was the middle Anspake sister growing up in Woodside, NY, graduating from Bryant High in 1953. She was predeceased by her father, William Anspake, her mother, Anna Ziemski Wittish, sisters Dorothy Heil and Carol Izzo. Joan is survived by her husband, Jim, son Jimmy and wife Pat of Bethel, Maine, daughter Diana and husband Steve of Smithtown, NY, her grandchildren Louis, Eva and Casey Thornton, Stefanie and Sean Bishop, as well as numerous nieces and nephews .

Joan worked for Bell Telephone prior to marrying in 1956. She then embraced her life as mother and homemaker. However, as the years passed she energetically worked as a waitress, teacher’s aide, and dental assistant. Joan loved to bowl and participated in several leagues in Suffolk County. She rolled a 200 game on one occasion and won a number of trophies. She enjoyed the company of her cat, Dainty, while at home. Joan and Jim relocated to Hemlock Farms in Hawley for their retirement.

Joan enjoyed walks throughout her life, especially during the summer when she could pick wildflowers by the roadside. She also enjoyed dining out, relaxing rides on the back roads of the Poconos, and sight-seeing trips to many states and a few foreign countries. However, her main reason to travel was to visit family and friends which she and Jim did often. During these visits, a cup of tea was her preferred beverage.

Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association.