Faye Alene Thornton, 84
Faye Thornton
Faye Alene Thornton, 84, of Frederick, Md., died on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at the Kline Hospice House, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was the lifelong wife of Kern D. Thornton.
Born in Kalispell on June 8, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Perley and Alma McKnight.
Faye worked at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., for 35 years. At the time of retirement she was the chief financial officer for the general clinical research centers.
Faye was a devoted mother, loving wife and wonderful role model. In addition to spending time with her family, she led an active life and enjoyed traveling, outdoor activities, needle crafts, playing tennis, reading, pinochle, bridge and, most of all, playing her piano.
She was always a kind and gentle person. Faye was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church, the Friendly Circle Sunday School class, and the Tuesday Morning Bible Study class.
In addition to her husband, Faye is survived by two children, daughter Deborah Cera and her husband Thomas of New Market, Md., and son Douglas and his wife Renee of Frederick. Faye also leaves behind four grandchildren, Teresa Phelan and her husband John, Brian Cera and wife Kimberly, Alexandra Thornton and Chandler Thornton. Additionally, Faye is survived by three great-grandchildren, Carrigan, Connor and Collin Phelan.
Faye has three surviving brothers, Perley McKnight of Chaparral, N.M., Richard McKnight of Kalispell, and Gerald McKnight of Las Vegas; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Faye was preceded in death by her sister, Lois.
Visitation was held on Sept. 26 at Keeney and Basford P.A. Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 27, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 West Second Street, Frederick. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Frederick County, 516 Trail Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701; or to the Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 West Second Street, Frederick, MD 21701.