Dorothy "Gail" Thornton – Age 85, Truro, passed peacefully on November 22, 2022, at home in Truro after a two plus year struggle with cancer and dementia.

Gail is survived by her children, Steven (Kristine), Toronto, Kari, Truro, Andrew, Nanaimo, Lynn, Truro and her two grandchildren, Thornton Atkinson and Brooke Robinson (Scott), both of Truro. She is also survived by siblings, Doris Smith, Jim Fawcett (Sharlene), Doug Fawcett (Brenda), Susan Shay (Richard), Janie Liscomb (Harry), Myrna Jones (Peter), Brenda Fawcett, Greg Fawcett (Marlene), Barry Fawcett, Ernie Fawcett (Lissa) and Jeffrey Fawcett; sisters-in-law, Sherrie Fawcett, Diane Fawcett and brother-in-law, Randy MacKenzie as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Gail was predeceased by her parents, Clayton and Nellie Fawcett; sisters, Ann McLintock, Trudy Mackenzie; brothers, Terry Fawcett, John Fawcett, Brian Fawcett and Steven Fawcett; her husband and father of her children, Ron Thornton and her beloved oldest son, David Thornton.

Gail grew up in Winchester Springs, southern Ontario, as the eldest of eighteen children. As a teenager, she moved to Montreal with her Aunt Mildred and Uncle Archie where she worked for CN as a comptometer until she met and married Ron. In Montreal, they started their family as five children followed quickly. Gail's most valued job was taking care of her kids, she loved nothing more than to feed her boys! Her life changed forever when she became a widow at 42 years. Ron died suddenly and unexpectedly which only served to tighten the bonds of love and family. She was the family matriarch and no one in their right mind would challenge her.

She joined the Royal Canadian Legion and eventually accepted the position of President of the Royal Canadian Legion for the Women's Auxiliary where she volunteered countless hours for special events.

She loved ice skating, playing 45's and crib, MEAT Bingo at The Wing, and any opportunity to go to a dance. Even in her final days, she wanted to have folks over for dinner.

Special thanks to our Palliative Care Team: Angela, Cheryl and Dr. Cortney Smith and the VON nurses. Their kindness and patience guided us through her care. There has been a huge wave of love and support throughout mom's illness - thanks to all - we hope we are not missing anyone: Dr Masalah Masoumi, Trudy, Peter Bakes, Sylvia Estey, Danielle Sawada, Gerri Otterson, Tanya Reid, Deb Thompson and the Ladies Auxiliary, Michael Weatherby, Venning Goad, Emily Roberts, Chandra and Karrina.

Donations in Gail’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society.

Family visitation will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a celebration of Gail's life at 3:00 p.m. followed immediately by a Tribute Service and reception until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 28, all taking place in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26, 42 Brunswick St, Truro, NS.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ColchesterCommunity.com