Ishpeming, MI - Sheila Mae Thornton, age 79, of 1465 Co Rd PFJ Ishpeming, MI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at UP Health System Marquette.

Sheila was born in Ishpeming on November 4, 1941, a daughter of the late Helen F. (DeRoche) and William T. Anderson. Grew up in North Lake location until age 5 moving to Ishpeming at that time, she was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, Class of 1959. Sheila truly loved her family, and her life was centered around them. Her favorite place was her home on the lake surrounded by family. She loved tending to her hummingbirds and flowers; she also enjoyed cheering on the Packers, Spartans, and all her grandchildren at their sporting events.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was active with the friendship suppers and was the head of the church funeral luncheon committee.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Thomas J. Thornton of Ishpeming whom she married on July 30, 1960; three daughters, Terri Thornton, of Battle Creek, MI; Shana Thornton (Donald Larson), of Negaunee, MI; Trisha (Timothy) Colling, of Rabbit Bay, MI; a son, Shawn (Kristin) Thornton, of Ishpeming, MI; 8 Grandchildren - Kori, Kristi (Ryan), Kelli (Tyler), Ashlee (Martel), Daniel, Connor (Sasha), Jacob, Morgan; 5 Great Grandchildren - Maddie, Ella, Evan, Leni, Kyson; four sisters, Jean (Jim) Junak, of Ishpeming, MI; Betty (Angelo) Bosio, of Ishpeming, MI; Mary Jo (Larry) Bussone, of Ishpeming, MI; Frances (Joel) Schneider, of Schaumberg, IL; a brother, Terry (Carol) Anderson, of Grand Junction, CO; 3 sisters-in-law – Charlotte Anderson of Ishpeming, Betty Anderson of Minneapolis, MN, and Helen (Larry) Schimmelpfennig of Fish Creek, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, sisters - Julie Trewhella and Susan Perry, brothers - Neil and William "Studge" Anderson.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00PM – 2:00PM on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00PM with Fr. Ryan Ford and Fr. Dan Moll concelebrating the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed, which can be found at ishpemingcatholic.com/live

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 322 Cleveland Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49489

Sheila's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.