Penny Lynn Thornton

LEWISTON -– Penny Lynn Thornton, 47, of E. Livermore, died on May 30, 2011 at the Central Maine Medical Center of natural causes.

Penny was born Feb. 7, 1964, in Lincoln, the daughter of Milan Thornton and Nadine (Young) Thornton Bazzie. She was raised in Millinocket and graduated in 1982 from Stearns High School.

She attended Job Corp, Husson Univeristy and Women Unlimited, becoming a truck driver in 1994. It was at Women Unlimited that Penny met the love of her life, Tammi “Red” Harlow. Together they made their home in E. Livermore for the past 17 years.

When Pen met Red and moved from Waterville to East Livermore, she became a “parent” to five children, a job that at times was very challenging, but always rewarding. Sometimes she was overwhelmed by it all, but nonetheless, she loved “her” kids dearly.

Penny loved life. She could rise to any occasion and be the life of the party. She truly loved to sing and dance. Penny had a very beautiful voice, and could tell you almost any song, artist or album. She was very passionate about music; she loved all genres, especially the 80’s and country music. Penny once donned a Marilyn Monroe dress and sang, “Happy Birthday Baby” to one of her best buds, Chris W.

Penny enjoyed family gatherings, (sometimes they were wild but always fun times). She enjoyed our weekend get togethers with our “sistahs” in Waterville and summer trips to Millinocket to see family and old friends. Above all else, she truly enjoyed statewide weekend, the party, the music and the freedom to be herself.

Pen loved quiet moments spent with her lady red, chatting over coffee, watching television, going for rides, camping and playing poker. She also love to do word search, Facebook and to read the paper.

Penny forged an extremely special relationship with her great nephew, Cambridge. He was her little buddy and she his Aunt P. Some of her most treasured memories were spent with him.

Pen worked as a truck driver, hauling refuse and also worked part time at Pike’s Corner Oasis.

Survivors include her partner, Tammi “Red” Harlow of E. Livermore and “their” children: Joshua, Felicia and Monica Harlow, and Jaimie, Keith and Travis Tibbetts, and their significant others; her parents, Nadine and Russell Bazzie of North Carolina; Milan and Shirley Thornton of Millinocket; her siblings, Mary Booker of North Carolina; Bonnie Saucier and her husband, Ralph of Millinocket; Milan Thornton, Jr. and his wife, Debbie of North Carolina, and Carla Thornton and her fiancé, Rocky Harlow of Livermore Falls; her in-laws, Rance and Sue Ranger, Brian Ranger, Sheree and Brian Rickman, Judy and Rick Dunn and Barbara and Harry Morgan; nieces, Christian Charette and Crissy Marson; nephew, Daniel Saucier; great-nieces and nephews, Dakotah, Chloe, Tyler and Cambridge; eight precious grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as their “Nana P”; and two very special “sistahs,” Sandy Rogers and Cathy Caron of Waterville.

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Pen touched very many lives. She had many friends from all over.

Penny was predeceased by very special nephews, Joshua Hartley, Justin Hartley; and her grandparents.

Pen, you have forever etched a mark on our hearts; you will live on in our memories and music. Ditto my love, until we meet again!