Kathleen Patricia Thornton

For those unable to attend Kathleen's service in person, Please register at the link below to view the service live stream.

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=0d56e7dd-57e8-4469-bdd1-285924a94b4f

Kathleen Thornton passed away on September 14, 2023 from a decades-long battle with Multiple Sclerosis complicated by a recent lung infection.  She was born on April 4, 1949, in Worcester, MA, to Henry and Barbara Pastick. 

After graduating from Northern Burlington High School in 1966, she entered Edgewood College in Madison in September of that year.  After graduating in 1971 with a major in Biology, Kathleen was hired by the UW Madison Dept of Biochemistry, Lab 380 on Henry Mall, directed by Professor William Reznikoff, where she was employed as a Lab Technician. 

Kathleen married Gary A. Thornton on October 2, 1971, at the University Catholic Chapel, Father Tom Coyle officiating.  The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2021. 

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Gary; brothers Steve Pastick, of St. Paul, MN; Christopher Pastick of Sparta, WI; Matt of Two Harbors, MN; Jon (Lisa) Pastick of Lindstrom, MN; Dan (Heidi) Pastick of Ketchum, ID; Tim (Cheryl) Pastick of Vadnais Heights, MN, and many nieces and nephews. Her two best friends, Mary Nelson and Barb Littlewood, visited her regularly over many years.  She was cared for in her final years by Judy McDonald, Annette Winzenreid, Merta Maaneb Myrick, Cynthia Schoettler, and neighbor Ruth Brill.  She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Kathleen loved Western movies and reading books, especially mysteries and novels.  She was curious about everything and had a droll sense of humor.  Even with many setbacks and limitations, Kathleen loved her life. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 25, 2023 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. 

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434