Thorne Whalen

Thorne Aurora Maria Whalen (Canton) b. 7/12/1955 beloved wife of James Whalen passed on at their home On January 28th, 2021 after years of battling severe health concerns.

She is predeceased by her parents Susan H. Canton and Joaquin (Jack) J Canton, of the Bronx, New York

Survived by: Husband James Whalen, “ Fur babies”: Ginger, Turbo, Junior, Bridgette, Alex, Cuddles, Beau, and Spookie, Sister: Barbara Storme Canton, Nieces: Christine Iris Vargas Farnham and Jacquelyn Isabel Susan Vargas, Nephew: Michael Whalen, and Great Niece: Juniper Rose Vargas Farnham, Brother/Sister-in-Laws: Elizabeth Whalen, Martha & Don Companaro, and Richard Whalen; Aunts and Uncles Trino & Myra Canton and Gordon & Josephine Harris, numerous cousins, and close friends who were also family to her.

Thorne was born in Brooklyn, New York. She attended SUNY at Cortland, NYU, and Lehman University. She has a Masters in Sociology and taught early childhood education in the Yonkers and Bronx school systems; until she moved to Newark Valley with her Husband.

Once in her dream house on top of a mountain she loved being in the midst of nature and there she built a large extended family. She became an avid quilter and frequented Patchwork Angels quilt shop where she formed lasting friendships. As an animal lover she rescued many animals and later combined her love of quilting and animals when she founded Quilts for Animals that provided warm quilted bedding for 1000’s of animals.

Expressions of Sympathy in her honor may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Stray Haven Humane Society in Waverly, NY.

The family will receive friendson Thursday, February 4 from 2-3 PMat the Allen Memorial Home,511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott. Private Services will be held at the convenience of the family.