Barbara L. (MacDonald) Thornton
Date of Passing:
Barbara L. (MacDonald) Thornton, 88, of Winthrop Street, Riverside, died Wednesday, August 10, 2022. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by loving family.
Born in Smithfield RI, daughter of the late William MacDonald and Louise (Hartman) MacDonald, Barbara worked for close to 50 years as a bookkeeper for various employers in the community before enjoying retirement. She was additionally an active member of the East Providence community, serving as both member and officer of the AARP, alternating president and treasurer depending on the year.
Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Charles E. Thornton, and sister Phyllis (MacDonald) Adams, and leaves behind a son, Carl E. Thornton of Huntington, VT, three grandchildren Cole E. Thornton, Campbell A. Thornton, and Hamish K. Thornton, and a community of loved ones including nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
We will best remember Barbara for many things; her passion for wildlife and gardening, her love to celebrate any occasion and ability to find joy in the little things, her optimism and continual support for the Red Sox, her infectious laughter and quick dry wit! Barbara took the time to make the world more beautiful, one flower arrangement and napkin fold at a time. She adored live music and never willingly passed up a chance to hear her son perform.
She will be remembered as a gardener, friend, neighbor, aunt, grandmother, and mother to one and all.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday August 15, 2022 in the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours on Monday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a service at 3:30 p.m. A gathering will follow at Narragansett Brewery 271 Tockwotton St, Providence, RI from 5-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations to the AARP or Roger Williams Botanical Garden are welcome. After all, she loved flowers.
Karen and Judy, so very sorry to hear of “Aunt Boo”’s passing! You were devoted nieces who took such good care of your aunt and Uncle John, too, for the many years I have known you! My deepest condolences to all – may she Rest In Peace now!
Carl Trina Hamish Cole Brittany Campbell And Stephanie our thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. What a beautiful tribute to your mom and grandma. She loved her boys.
We are so grateful that we had a neighbor like Barbara. She was so welcoming and kind for the 13 years years ago when I moved in on Winthrop Street, and generous to our son. I will miss seeing her outside and checking in with her. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. Our condolences to her whole family. May fond memories bring you laughter and comfort.
I didn’t know her for long, but to find beauty in the little things is something I learned from her. Rest in peace sweet lady.
I’ll never forget you Barbara I used to cut your hair and used to come and visit you are a great person I’ll miss you
Lisa
We are so, so sorry. Barbara fought long and hard to recover.
With all our love to Carl, Cole, Campbell, Hamish and Trina.
She was so calm and reassuring. She loved flowers so much.
Rest in Peace.
We will all miss Barbara. Sorry for your loss and prayers for your family. She will be remembered in so many ways.
I am so sorry for your loss and honored that I was able to meet her. She was a remarkable woman and I am sending my love and sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barbara was a treasured member and long time office holder of our East Bay AARP Club, as well as a dear friend. She will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace.
We’re so sorry for your loss! May her memory be a blessing, and may she be united with her own parents with love and rest.
She was such a sweet woman, I am glad to have known her.