Joan Mary (McCullough) Thornton

Joan Mary (McCullough) Thornton, 90, of Camillus, entered eternal life on Friday at Hospice in Naples, FL, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Washington, DC, on March 9, 1935, to the late Leo and Alice McCullough, Joan was a graduate of Georgetown Visitation and Georgetown University School of Nursing. As a young woman, she was a talented athlete who loved to dance and excelled at tennis.

Joan briefly worked in the nursing profession before marrying her beloved husband, Joseph and moving to Syracuse, NY, where she built a large family and a home full of love. Her life was defined by her faith, devotion to her family, and many friendships. A woman of great faith, Joan had an unwavering devotion to the rosary, attended daily mass, and was a lifelong servant of the church. She enjoyed summers on Otisco Lake, winters in Naples, FL, and porch visits and lunches with neighbors and friends. Joan loved to cook and bake and will always be remembered for her peanut brittle, homemade soups, fruit jellies, and baked goods.

Joan had an innate ability to make everyone feel like family. Above all, she cherished every minute spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Joseph; sons, Joseph Jr. and Mark; parents; and brothers, John, James and Robert.

Surviving are her children, Dr. Joan Thornton of Marietta, Patricia Burnham (Paul Waleski) of Syracuse, Michael of Syracuse, Thomas of Syracuse, and Susan (John) Alberts of Marietta; grandchildren, Steven (Kate), Michael (Jenn), Kevin (Emily), Joseph (Lauren), Meghan (Mackenzie), Katherine, James, and Mark; great-grandchildren, Alphia, Odette, Damian, Julianna, Christopher, and Madelyn; sister-in-law, Mary McCullough; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be private.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Joan will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208, or to the Holy Family Food Pantry, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.

“May you rest in perfect peace, knowing the depth of our love for you and the gratitude we all have for the extraordinary role you played in each of our lives.”