HAVERHILL – Judith L. (DeRoche) Thornton, 73, wife of Edward “Butch” Thornton, Jr. passed away on April 1, 2025 at Lawrence General Hospital.
Judith was born on August 4, 1951 in Lawrence; she was the daughter of Mark and Priscilla (Day) DeRoche. Judith was a graduate of Sanborn High School, Class of 1969 and then went on to earn her Associates Degree from Northern Essex Community College. She was very proud of her work at Storyland where she was the Old Woman in the Shoe for many years. She also worked many other jobs in: healthcare, security; was a Constable and a Justice of the Peace, a fork truck operator, as well as a business owner, and volunteered as a ranger in Arizona. Later in life Judith enjoyed doing arts and crafts, especially crocheting; and she was a true animal lover, she really loved all her pets over the years. Judith was a spitfire, had a great sense of humor and will be remembered fondly for her free spirit.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother she is survived by her husband Edward “Butch” Thornton, Jr. of Haverhill, her son Edward W. Thornton, III and partner Jacqueline Kennison of Haverhill, and two grandchildren Conner Thornton and Ava Thornton. She was predeceased by her siblings Steve DeRoche, Priscilla (Sissy) Harvey and Betty Routt.
ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of Life is to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to a cancer foundation of your choice, as it affects every family. Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com and Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.
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Jo-anne Richardson says
April 11, 2025 at 5:16 pmTo the family if my dearest Facebook friend. Long time friends and the advice Judy gave me truly worked. If you open up her messenger u can read how close we was. The pain I was going through with Max was unbearable and Judy talked to me and guided me. I am really missing her and very sad. A remarkable woman and friend. My family in Australia have her as a friend. She has certainly touch my soul. Its just not the same anymore without her advice and care. Sadly I know I have to accept it but it’s very hard to loose anyone. Smile bright my dear friend. One day I hope we all meet up again and catch with all the Goss. Thank you all for sharing Judy on Facebook and Instagram and condolences to u all on the sudden loss of Judy. God bless u all.