Elaine Hansen Thornburg
DURHAM, N.C. — Elaine Hansen Thornburg, 82, passed away on Monday, Sept. 3, 2018, at Treyburn Rehabilitation Center in Durham. She was born in Kingsford to the late Lester Hansen and Ellen Olson Hansen.
In addition to her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Robert E. Thornburg Jr.
Elaine met Bob while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, and they were best friends. Elaine was a caring mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. In addition to Durham, Elaine resided in the Chicago area, Poway, Calif., Ann Arbor, Oxford, Mich., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. She worked for 10 years at Henry Ford Health Care as a human resources professional. It was upon her retirement from Henry Ford that she and Bob moved to Myrtle Beach. Elaine will be missed for many things but especially her ready laugh, sense of humor, and warm hugs.
Elaine is survived by her daughters, Vanessa Thornburg, Cathy Elston (Mark Haddad), Emily Mowbray (Richard Habecker); son, Brett Thornburg; grandchildren, Jessica Organ (Ryan), Scott Elston (Allie), Jack Thornburg, Sophie Habecker; great-granddaughter, Elena Organ; and sister, Barbara Folmar.
A memorial service for family and friends was held Saturday, Sept. 8, at Clements Funeral Chapel in Durham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.