MARLENE ANN THORNTON

SHOREHAM — Marlene Ann Thornton passed away on March 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a long battle with brain cancer.

She was born in Manchester, N.H., April 24, 1949, to parents Thomas F. Thornton and Lorraine C. Lord. Marlene attended school there and then graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1971.

Marlene lived in the Portsmouth, N.H., area for several years, eventually moving to Denver, Colo., where she earned a master’s degree in public administration, leading to working in the court system there and traveling to various locations around the country.

In the late 80’s she moved back east, to be closer to her parents and family, settling in Amesbury, Mass. Within a year, she moved to the nearby city of Newburyport, where she changed careers and lifestyle, working for herself, refinishing furniture and accessories.

She soon met her future husband and life soulmate, Norton Latourelle, and the couple quickly moved to Shoreham, Vt., where they, together, established an art gallery featuring his work. She successfully managed their business until the fall of 2024, when they were forced to close due to her illness.

Marlene helped design and build a new home, which was settled on 40 beautiful acres on the shores of Lake Champlain. The small farm setting became a dream come true, with a steer named Clarence, a small flock of sheep and various cats and kittens that just seemed to appear. She welcomed all into her family in an effort to make their lives peaceful and healthy. Marlene had a special gift and unwavering energy for protecting all living things.

She was a prolific gardener. Her gardens featured a large variety of vegetables and flowers. There were tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, onions, potatoes, and squash and a well-maintained asparagus bed surrounded by rhubarb, garlic and herbs, gently cascading down the back yard toward the lake. There were lilies and lilacs, zinnias and poppies and many, many plantings that brightened every corner of the gallery and barn buildings. Marlene loved to weed her garden and to capture bugs and release them to safer territories.

Throughout her life she maintained and began new friendships. Marlene had friends from grade school, college and throughout her years in Vermont. She taught exercise classes, Tai Chi, and danced the tango. Eating well and exercising were always a top priority.

Marlene lived a life that was an inspiration to all. We will miss her deeply!

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Norton Latourelle; her brother Michael Thornton, sister Janice Sanzo, and brother Thomas Thornton; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Contributions in her name can be made to her favorite charities; Charter House Coalition, 27 North Pleasant St., Middlebury, Vermont 05753; and Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at a later date. ◊