Thornton, Marianne MarieMarianne Marie Thornton, of Winneconne, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 2, 2017. Marianne was born on September 28, 1952, in Menasha and lived most of her life in the Fox Valley. She is now home with her Savior.Marianne had many passions in life. She was a passionate animal lover and her pets meant the world to her. Marianne discovered Celtic music and was active in the contemporary music program at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Winneconne. She was the family historian and worked tirelessly organizing and researching her family roots. Marianne was not afraid to follow her dreams and moved to Los Angeles early in her career to follow her passion for music.She worked for many years doing graphic design at Kimberly-Clark and became proficient in computer software and database work. Marianne became an independent contractor after leaving KC and most recently worked for the Real Estate Group in Appleton.Marianne is survived by her brothers, David (Bonnie), of Manawa; Bruce (Barbara), of Oshkosh and Inverness, Florida. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Lynn (Paul) Bekkum, of Fargo, North Dakota; Kirk (Mary) Thornton, of Jackson, Wyoming; Scott Thornton, of Madison; Laura (Scott) Morrissette, of Oak Creek; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She is further survived by many cousins including her close cousin Bob Bauer, of Appleton.Marianne was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Marie (Kowalkowski) Thornton; and her loving family of dogs, Skippy, Buffy, Annie, Angie, Buttons, Keisha; and her horse Cherokee.A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.