Obituary of Jane Thorne

Jane was born October 16,1923 in Chicago, Illinois to Mary Ahrens (née O’Malley) and Richard Ahrens. Although she was an only child, she grew up with an extended family and was particularly close to her aunts and uncles. In her 20’s, she worked in a physics lab where a co-worker introduced her to Henry Thorne who she married on August 28th 1954. Together they had 2 daughters, Barbara and Virginia, who they loved very much and who were a central part of their lives. Over the years, Jane and Henry lived in Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Georgia, and North Carolina before moving to their final home in Jacksonville, FL in 1998. They enjoyed travelling, experiencing the wonders of nature and a world of different cultures. Once they even had the opportunity to live 6 months in Brazil, which they found very rewarding. Jane loved animals and provided a good home to many rescued cats and dogs over her long life, especially those in need of medical attention. And when her friends or family were in need, she always wanted to help. She was very active and ‘feisty’, even into her 90’s, such as when for her 94th birthday she got her wish to take a helicopter ride over Jacksonville. Jane Thorne was preceded in death by her parents, and her mother’s many brothers and sisters, and by her husband of 57 years on March 18th 2011. Jane Thorne passed from this earth on Nov. 10,2021 at age 98 and she leaves behind 2 daughters Barbara Thorne and Virginia Arena and an impact on countless lives of those who were blessed to have met her and able to know her, even if only for a brief time. Because… of all the things Jane could do, making a lasting impression was certainly among one of the things she could do best. She will be greatly missed.