Gayle Dianne Thorne (nee Ingham)

With heavy hearts, the Thorne family announces the passing of Gayle, who left us on April 25, 2025, due to complications from a stroke at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.  Born in Sarnia, Ontario to her loving parents William James Ingham & Sybil Olive Ingham (nee Spencer). Gayle was a beloved wife to Colin Thorne for 52 years. Devoted mother to Colin (Laura) & Courtney (Jay). Proud, loving Nana to Lillian, Alexander, James, & Will. Much loved sister of Rick (Penny) & Shirley (the Late Harold). 

In these last years with her health struggles, it was her grandchildren that kept her going. She wanted more time to see them grow and, if we're being honest, probably to have a chuckle as they gave Alex & Courtney the hard time we gave her when we were kids.  

Gayle found great joy in travelling and discovering new places; always collecting memories, stories, (and spoons) along the way. She travelled with a girlfriend in her 20s and, after meeting Colin at Imperial Oil, married, had kids and travelled all over the US with her family-road trips with her mom (also Nana) to Nashville and Kentucky, New England, and the painfully unforgettable Colonial Williamsburg, wholly uninteresting to her kids but something she really enjoyed. In later years, she returned to Europe with Colin to see some of her bucket list places.

Gayle enjoyed her friends immensely and talked fondly of them regularly. It's true she didn't love going out socially so when she did go out, it really meant something to her. Over the years, she enjoyed the long phone calls to catch up with her nieces, cousins, and other extended family and friends, and monthly lunches with the Imperial Oil ladies.

Never shy with sharing her opinion, Gayle always told you exactly what she thought you should do in any given situation. In the moment, it was enough to drive you crazy. But, on reflection, you soon realized that this was her way of showing she wanted the best for you and that she cared deeply. That she loved you.

Gayle will be deeply missed by so many. 

The family of Gayle wish to extend a warm thank you to the nurses and doctors at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Doctor Stuart Bothwell in Lindsay & Doctor Stephen Archer in Kingston. 

In Celebration of Gayle’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeland Funeral Centre on May 10, 2025 between the hours of 2PM - 4PM. Speeches will commence at 3PM. 

Donations in memory of Gayle can be made to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation or Make A Wish Foundation.