Edna Ann Thorne

Edna Ann Thorne, a beloved member of the Lakeland, Florida Highland Fairways community, passed away peacefully on May 8th in Lunenburg MA at her daughter’s home. She was 86 years old. Edna will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Born on 10/4/1936, in Boston MA, Edna was the daughter of Harold and Helen Dyson. Her High School days at Brighton High School, Edna was an Honor student, Cheerleading Captain and a highly respected student/athlete overall.

Edna was a woman of many talents and passions. She built a career as an X-Ray tech along with pursuing an entrepreneurial life when she and her husband Don opened up Village West, a square dancing and western clothing store in Leominster MA. Their combined love of country music, dancing, and owning their own business led them to run a successful retail business for several years. Edna was also a passionate, very competitive and successful bridge, cribbage, and all around card game enthusiast throughout her life.

She dedicated herself to her family, being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and most recently a great-grandmother. Her fighting spirit, resilience, independent nature and overall willingness to take the road less traveled inspired those around her, especially her grandchildren. She was THE ROCK and always would say, “It is what it is.”

As an active member of the Highland Fairways and Lakeland Florida community for over 20+ years, , Edna found fulfillment in contributing her time and energy to various charities including her personal passion Viste (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly.) Viste is a community based non-profit that enables elderly persons to remain safely and independently in their own homes. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Edna's compassionate nature touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

In her leisure time, Edna loved to spend time swimming, traveling around the world and to see her extended family. She also loved being with friends relaxing or competing at any card game imaginable. Edna's unwavering faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Her faith instilled in her the values of kindness, forgiveness, and resilience, which she exemplified in her interactions with others.

Edna Ann Thorne is survived by her three children: Vincent (Andree) Thorne, Michael (Margaret)Thorne, and Deborah (James) Levasseur, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. She also leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Edna's life will be held at 10:00am, Friday May 19th, @ Holy Cross Catholic Church on 124 Cottage Road, South Portland Maine. It will be followed by a short interment ceremony at Calvary Cemetery on 1461 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106 . We will hold a celebration of life buffet lunch @ The Saltwater Grill on 231 Front Street, South Portland ME after.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Viste of Lakeland Florida in Edna's honor. VISTE is a community-based, non-profit organization serving Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry and Ft. Meade Florida with the goal of enabling elderly persons to remain safely and independently in their own homes. This gesture will continue her legacy of compassion and generosity, allowing her spirit to impact the lives of others even after her passing.

Edna Ann Thorne's legacy will forever remain etched in our hearts. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her loved ones find solace and strength in the beautiful memories they shared together