Nora Joan Thornton, née Pope, passed away peacefully October 24, 2014 in her home in Sardis, BC. Born November 9, 1919 in Paris, France, the youngest of three daughters to Edward and Nora (née Gwynne) Pope. Predeceased by her husband Peter M Thornton, KM, FRIBA, FRAIC, ARCA, and her sisters Helen Sprott of Ottawa and Loïs Hadingham of Wimbledon, England. Survived by her six children: Jeremy (Virginia), Jennifer Price (David), Katharine Marks (Eric), Edward (Barbara), Marianne, and Peter (Deirdre) and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Educated in Quebec City, Halifax, NS, and London, England. She returned to Canada at the outbreak of war in 1939 and worked at the Australian Naval Liaison office in Ottawa where she married the dashing young Canadian Flag Lieutenant and architect, Peter. They moved with their firstborn to Vancouver in 1945, where the house they built expanded as the family grew. In 1974 they relocated to an 11-acre farm in Rosedale, BC, and then to Sardis in 1990. Over the years Mum always had a driving curiosity and developed many interests among which featured her garden, bird watching with the 'Gin and Feathers' club, tennis, bible study & meditation, painting & sketching, genealogy, and of late a passion for advanced theoretical physics. Her favourite charities were The Seminary of Christ the King and The Poor Clare Sisters (St Clare's Monastery), both located in Mission, BC. She was very proud of being the great-granddaughter of not one but TWO Fathers of Confederation, W H Pope and James Cockburn. Prayers will take place at 7 PM Thursday, October 30 and Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM, Friday, October 31, both at St Mary's Catholic Church, Chilliwack. Reception at the church and interment to follow.
Henderson's Funeral Home in care of arrangments 604-792-1344,
www.hendersonsfunerals.com