Faye Alene Thornton

Faye Alene Thornton, 84, of Frederick, MD died on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at the Kline Hospice House after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers disease. She was the lifelong wife of Kern D. Thornton. Born in Kalispell, MT on June 8, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Perley and Alma McKnight.

Faye worked at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD for thirty-five years. At the time of retirement she was the Chief Financial Officer for the General Clinical Research Centers. Faye was a devoted mother, loving wife, and wonderful role model.

In addition to spending time with her family she led an active life and enjoyed traveling, outdoor activities, needle crafts, playing tennis, reading, pinochle, bridge, and most of all playing her piano. She was always a kind and gentle person. Faye was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church, the Friendly Circle Sunday School Class, and the Tuesday Morning Bible Study Class.

In addition to her husband, Faye is survived by two children. Daughter, Deborah Cera and her husband Thomas of New Market, MD, and son Douglas and his wife Renee of Frederick, MD. Faye also leaves behind four grandchildren, Teresa Phelan and her husband John, Brian Cera and wife Kimberly, Alexandra Thornton, and Chandler Thornton. Additionally, Faye is survived by three great-grandchildren, Carrigan, Connor, and Collin Phelan.

Faye has three surviving brothers, Perley McKnight of Chaparral, NM, Richard McKnight of Kalispell, MT and Gerald McKnight of Las Vegas, NV, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Faye was preceded in death by her sister Lois, of Kansas City, MO.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Keeney and Basford PA Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 27, at 10 am at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 West Second Street, Frederick, MD. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Frederick County, 516 Trail Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701 or to the Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 West Second Street, Frederick, MD 21701.