Mary Anne Thornton was born May 12, 1935, in Poplar, Montana. Mary Anne married Buddy Thornton on August 25, 1953, and they enjoyed 57 years together. Besides her husband, Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Mary Dolezilek, her brother James Dolezilek, and her daughter Julie Thornton. She is survived by her daughters, Marie (Woody) Liao, Nancy (Laura) Thornton, and Bonny (Ron) Liebel, and her son, Peter (Melissa) Thornton. She was grandmother to Hana, Heidi, Adam, Leo, Andrew and Michelle.
Mary Anne enjoyed traveling to visit her children throughout the United States, and especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren and delighting in their growth. Mary Anne was a longstanding member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. She also loved her cats, had an interest and appreciation for art, and had a newfound passion for computers.
As she aged, Mary Anne had support from her local community and friends. A special acknowledgment goes to her friend Myra Dupree, whose timely intervention saved Mary Anne’s life several years ago. In her final years, when living independently became a challenge, Mary Anne lived at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, where she received outstanding medical care and compassion.