Mary Edith Thorne, 77, of Kitzville, MN passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Mary was born on January 1, 1941 to Vincent and Mary (Bell) Connor in Des Plaines, Illinois. She grew up and attended school at St. Patrick' s Academy in Des Plaines, IL, graduating in 1959. That same fall she attended Comptometer school. Upon graduating, she gained employment with People's Gas and Coal in Chicago, IL. During this time, she met Hubert Leon (Lee)Thorne. Lee was a mechanic, and as family tells it, Mary Edith brought her green convertible to his shop to get an oil change.  When she drove the car into the stall, he lifted her on the car lift and he would not let her down until she agreed to go on a date with him. They married on August 27, 1966 at St. Mary's Church in Des Plaines, IL.  They were blessed with 8 children.  In 1975, the family moved to Northern Minnesota. The family then moved to the Twin Cities for employment. Mary worked tirelessly for Ameriprise and many other jobs, while raising her children. When she retired from Ameriprise in 2006, her heart led her "home" to rural Northern Minnesota, where she has remained since.

Mary's passion was fishing. She would remain on the lake all day, even if the fish were not biting. She loved it so much that instead of carrying an emergency mechanical kit for her car she carried an emergency "fishing kit". That way if she broke down, and there was a body of water close by, she would cast a line and wait for help. Mary was also an accomplished artist. She painted, sculpted, made pottery, and drew in many mediums, including charcoal. Each project was met with meticulous perfection. Mary's artistic talents also led her to be an accomplished singer, pianist and accordion player.

Mary's life was centered around God. She would thank God every day for his blessings, sometimes thanking him several times a day.

Mary is remembered by her family as being a loving and caring mom and grandmother. Every one of her children felt her love daily. Mary would tell her children and family that she was truly blessed to have them in her life. Her family loved her back just as deeply. She was truly cherished and will be dearly missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Valerie Conner-Jackson; and her husband Hubert Leon (Lee) Thorne.

Mary is survived by her children: Leon Thorne; Teresa (Norman) Roumillat; Victoria (Rick) Johnson; Laura (Scott) Clark; Nellie (Tom Perko) Thorne; Michele (Eric Voss) Thorne; Lawrence Thorne; James (Jennifer) Thorne; sister-Brigitta (Rick) Silvi; 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 9:30AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com