Sister Kathleen Thornton, RSM

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Kathleen (Miriam Cecilia) Thornton, RSM, who died on November 12, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born in Worcester, Mass., she was the daughter of George and Agnes Morrison Thornton. After graduating from Keene High School in Keene, N.H., she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Portland in 1954.

Sister Kathleen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in higher education from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish and then pursued studies at Pius X School of Liturgical Music in New York City and at Boston University.

After several years of elementary school teaching, she became the music supervisor for parochial schools in Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook. Sister Kathleen also gave private piano lessons to children as well as adults. She always looked forward to singing in the Portland Symphony Orchestra Choir, especially during the Magic of Christmas performance.

Sister Kathleen was also a composer, most notably composing her Concerto in G Minor, a piano composition for a solo instrument. She also had an avid love for writing and a unique artistry in calligraphy and design. In addition to possessing three copyrights for musical works, she had one copyright for an original watercolor.

During her years in retirement, Sister Kathleen devoted her time to prayer and visitations, while living at Deering Pavilionfra, Frances Warde Convent, St. Joseph’s Convent in Biddeford, and Gorham House in Gorham.  

Funeral Services:

Prayer and Visitation; Thursday, November 20, 9:15 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, November 20, 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.