Miriam C. Thorne

Madison -- Mimi Thorne, age 86, died Monday, December 14, 2009 at Anderson HospiceCare Center. Although she was a non-smoker, she died of lung cancer. Mimi was born June 30, 1923 in Appleton, WI to Alta B. (Hicks) Carlson and Guy W. Carlson. After graduating from Appleton High School in 1941, Mimi attended Oberlin College in Ohio where she met Robert (Bob) S. Thorne, her loving husband of 65 years. Mimi finished her education at Lawrence College in Appleton, WI graduating in 1946. Upon Bob's return from military service, they lived in Washington, DC for 2 years before settling in Madison. She would call Madison home for 61 years.

Mimi held a variety of part time jobs including working with the U.S. Bureau of Census. She served many organizations as a volunteer including the Girl Scouts, the Hill Farms Neighborhood Association, Madison Speed Skating Club and the Madison BY PEO Chapter. During her retirement she enjoyed golfing, especially at Lone Palm Golf Club in Lakeland, FL where she and Bob wintered. She was a lifelong bridge player and also spent many happy hours playing mahjong with friends at Blackhawk Country Club and Oakwood Village.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; sister, Barbara Burchsted of Barrington, IL; children Nancy Thorne Cahill (Michael Cahill) of Mt. Horeb, WI and Peter S. Thorne (Susan Kaliszewski) of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren Alec Thorne of Chicago, IL, and Kate and Anneke Thorne of Iowa City, IA; as well as nieces, nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant children; and a daughter-in-law, Moira J. Whitehead.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday December 20, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison. A Memorial Service will occur at OAKWOOD WEST CHAPEL, 6225 Mineral Point Rd., Madison on Monday December 21, 2009 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711 or PEO Educational Loan Fund, c/o Susan Jackson, 822 Charing Cross Rd., Madison, WI 53704. The family thanks our wonderful Hospice team of compassionate professionals.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cressfuneralservice.com.