Caribou, Maine - Bessie Irene Thornton, 93, died September 30, 2025, at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou, following a brief illness. She was born in Presque Isle, January 13, 1932, the daughter of the late Archie and Dolly (Hafford) Green.

She was a graduate of Presque Isle High School as well as Northern Maine Community College. Bessie was employed as a LPN and as an operating room secretary at Cary Medical Center for many years. She was a member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, as well as Elizabeth Chapter No. 108 Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the comedy group "Hooters" and the Red Hat Ladies. Bessie loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and drives in the country with her family. She was also a big hockey fan, and loved her favorite team the Boston Bruins. She was a member of the Biggest Buck's in Maine club.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia Heron and Jeffrey of Caribou, and John Thornton and wife, Karyn, of Woodland; one sister, Juanita Bugbee and one brother, Willard Green, both of Presque Isle; her grandchildren, Jeffrey Heron, Angela Tavares, Murray "Dan" Blackstone, Jenny Blackstone, Bill Blackstone, Emily Thornton, Megan Thornton, and P.J. Thornton; ten great-grandchildren; and a special son-in-law, Murray Blackstone of Caribou. Mrs. Thornton was predeceased by her husband, Philip Thornton, in 2006; two children, Roberta Blackstone and Robert Thornton; and a grandson, Matthew Thornton.

Private graveside services will be held at Fairmont Cemetery in Presque Isle. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Thornton may do so through Gray Memorial United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 69, Caribou, ME 04736, or through the Jefferson Cary Foundation, P.O. Box 89, Caribou, ME 04736. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.