Elizabeth J. Thorne (Libby) died peacefully on December 11, 2023, at Carleton-Willard Village in Bedford. She was 90.
Born in New York City, on October 24, 1933, to the late Richard and Leila (Bailey) Jones, she grew up in Greenwich, CT, graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall, in 1951, and graduated from Smith College, class of 1955 with a BA in Art History.
After marriage, Libby settled in New Canaan, CT, where she lived for over 30 years, giving her time to many organizations including the New Canaan Country School, Visiting Nurses Association, and the Stamford Junior League. Professionally, she was a real estate broker for Brotherhood & Higley from 1968-1988.
When she moved to Boston and Manchester-by-the-Sea in 1988 she focused her energy on two passions: art and gardening. At the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, she was a docent, member of the Ladies Committee, chaired the Membership Committee, was the Garden Club Coordinator for Art in Bloom from 1992-1994. In 2021, Libby was honored by the Garden Club of America for her 30 years of membership and service to the North Shore Garden Club.
Libby is survived by her husband of 52 years Samuel (Spike), sons Alva See (Alison) of New Orleans, LA. and Richard See of Foster City, CA, stepsons Samuel Thorne of Port St. Lucie, FL and Guyton Thorne (Pamela) of Manchester-by-the-Sea, six grandchildren Bennett, Nicholas, Trischa, Samuel, Phoebe and Hannah. She is also survived by her brother Gerard (Emily) Jones of Woodstock, VT and many nieces. She was predeceased by her first husband Alva See, her daughter Bailey See, her son Peter See and her stepdaughter Susan Thorne.
She and Spike enjoyed many years at the houses they built in Manchester and Spring Island, SC. They traveled extensively and cherished their summer cruises on the Maine Coast. Libby was a past member the Chilton Club, Essex County Club, Manchester Yacht Club, Singing Beach Club, and Myopia Hunt Club.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Emmanuel Church, 24 Masconomo St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944.
