Virginia S. Thornton April 25, 1919 - Sept. 26, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Virginia S. Thornton, 89, formerly of Inglewood Place, South Bend, passed away peacefully at 1:15 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2008, in the Sanctuary of St. Paul's. Virginia was born on April 25, 1919, in South Bend, to Vincent and Constance (Pietraszewski) Kowalinski, and was a lifelong resident. She lived at Inglewood Place for over 50 years and took great pride in her home, neighborhood and garden. She loved to raise all varieties of plants and flowers and took special pride in her roses and African violets. She loved to garden and cook with fresh vegetables. She frequented the Farmers Market and always made an adventure out of shopping there. She was always willing to help people in need and held a special place in her heart for small children. She loved the holiday season and celebrated those festive times with childlike enthusiasm. She loved the many pastries and desserts that accompanied those celebrations. She loved animals of all kinds and especially loved raising many dogs throughout her life. She was particularly fond of her own Vijay and Miss Muffet and of family members' dogs, Sandy and Regis. Virginia had a unique sense of humor and would frequently use it to interject her commentary to lighten up conversation. Virginia was proud of her strong Polish heritage and loved and celebrated the Polish traditions. Virginia lived independently well into her 80s and moved to what is now referred to as the Sanctuary at St. Paul's about four years ago when her health became compromised. Virginia was a devout Catholic and was a member of Holy Cross Parish for all of her adult life. She was active in the Daughters of Isabella. She served as a past president of the Dental Assistant Society. Virginia graduated from Washington High School and after graduation pursued specialized training in dental assisting. She was employed as a Certified Dental Assistant with Dr. Cyril Rose, D.D.S., for 35 years, and retired after working for Dr. Daniel Lindborg, D.D.S., for another eight years. On May 28, 1948, as Virginia S. Kowalinski, she married Richard W. Thornton and remained married for over 25 years until Richard's death on December 16, 1974. Also preceding her in death were her parents; her brother, Frederick Kowalinski, who was killed in action in World War II in the European Theatre, and her sister, Evelyn Kowalinski. Survivors include her younger brother, Richard (Virginia) Kowalinski of Osceola, IN; a niece, Constance (Anthony) Gianoli of South Bend, IN; and four nephews, Thomas (Barbara) Kowalinski of Chandler, AZ, Lawrence Kowalinski of Albany, OR, Gerald (Bonita) Kowalinski of Mishawaka, IN, and Robert (Linda) Kowalinski of Mishawaka, IN. Survivors also include six great-nieces, Lindsey Kowalinski, Blair Kowalinski, Allison Kowalinski, Natalie Kowalinski, Melissa Kowalinski and Mary Beth Kowalinski; and two great-nephews, Brad Kowalinski and Beau Kowalinski. Virginia was also preceded in death by her beloved brother-in-law, David Thornton, and is survived by David's widow, Virginia Lee Thornton, and her son, Mark Merrill. In accordance with her wishes, Virginia has been cremated. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 2, in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Procession and interment will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Virginia's later years were made easier by the many fine caregivers at the Sanctuary of St. Paul's. Virginia's longtime special friend, Diane Corio, was always ready to assist her throughout her late years with her needs and to bring her comfort, and was especially helpful throughout her last illness. The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care was also instrumental in easing Virginia's passing. Virginia's family would like to extend their sincere and profound gratitude to St. Paul's, to Diane and to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. To send online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com.  The South Bend Tribune, Sept. 30, 2008