Avery Thornton

AVERY ANNE THORNTON was a fun spirited soul who could light up a room with her smile.  Born January 5th, 1979, to Dudley and Holly (nee Bolnik) Thornton.  She passed away on June 19th, 2023, due to health complications stemming from atrial fibrillation.  

Avery was born at home in Miami Springs, FL and raised in Lake Tahoe (Stateline), NV.  After she graduated from George Whittell High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State College, and her teaching credentials from California State University San Marcos.  

Avery was a remarkable young woman, determined to make the world a better place.  She traveled all over - learning about different cultures, seeking adventure, and spiritual enlightenment.  She lived and worked in multiple countries including Spain, South Korea, and Dubai. With a strong drive and passion to educate children, she eventually pursued her lifelong dream of opening up a preschool in Oakland, CA.  She called the school “Chitta”, meaning 'a spiritual representation of a state of mind’.  She exposed the children to various forms of education including yoga, meditation, horticulture, and the culinary arts. Her travels and teaching experiences around the world gave the children a one-of-a-kind holistic education.  She gave her heart and soul to the children, her friends, and her family.  

Before she passed, Avery chose to donate her organs.  She subsequently saved the lives of three people.  Her beautiful spirit, thoughtfulness, and love will live on thanks to Avery’s generosity.

She is survived by her mother Holly, her stepmother Sandra, her siblings Heather, Jessica, and Peter (Erin) Thornton, as well as many more friends and relatives.  She is preceded in death by her father Dudley Thornton, and her beloved pup Lola.

We miss you very much Avery - shine your loving spirit upon us all down here.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life Service in South Lake Tahoe which will be announced and held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Avery Thornton, please visit our floral store.