Mary “Maisie” Thornhill, of Farmington Hills, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 at the age of 91.

Maisie was a devoted and loving mother to Diana (David) Copp and Lori Ann (George) Thornhill-Childress and the proudest of Grandmothers to Brendan Childress. She was the dear sister of Greta (the late Dennis) Long of London, the late Thomas (the late Agnes) Taylor of Belfast and the late David (the late Etta) of Belfast. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mary grew up during the war years and often shared stories of the challenges and adventures that she and her young siblings experienced in Europe during World War II. She finished her schooling at 17 with a strong desire to travel so she set sail to America and made her way to Detroit to visit old family friends. It was there that she met the love of her life, John “Jack”. She married at 18 and following a 71 year marriage, their love story continues with Maisie and Jack together once again.

Shortly after they married, Jack was drafted so Maisie followed him to Indianapolis where he proudly and dutifully served his time with the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharge, they returned to Detroit where Maisie worked as a bank teller in the Penobscot Building until her daughters were born.  

Maisie lived a full and productive life as a wife, mother, homemaker and volunteer. As she raised her daughters, she involved herself wherever help was needed at their schools as room mother, event organizer or PTA board member and received countless accolades for her work and dedication to enhance the lives of others. Once her daughters were in college, Maisie returned to the workforce as office manager for Canner Property Management. She worked there until the birth of her grandson Brendan when she lovingly retired to help care for him. 

Maisie’s love of travel stayed with her. She and Jack, together with their daughters, made many trips back to Ireland and England to visit family over the years. Beyond that, they traveled Europe and North America extensively, highlighted by a memorable cruise through the Panama Canal.

Maisie never missed Church on Sunday mornings and was steadfast in her faith and devotion to God. She attended St. John’s Episcopal Church in Detroit before transferring to the Church of the Redeemer in Southfield when the family relocated to the suburbs in the 1960’s. At both Churches, she was an active member on many committees and workgroups, always willingly volunteering her time and talents.

In addition to her Church activities, Maisie was active in the Ladies units of the Masons and Shriners. She spent countless hours volunteering at the Shrine Circus and other activities in support of their missions, never hesitating to give of her time. She was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star of the Masons and Ladies Oriental of the Shriners. 

Maisie’s dearest friend was Jeanne Pate. Once they both married (Austin to Jeanne) and started families, the friendship deepened and the families bonded, sharing godchildren, holidays, social engagements and vacations. The closeness between the families continues to this day and we are certain that Jeanne and Austin were alongside Jack when he happily welcomed Maisie to her heavenly home. 

She will be greatly missed and always loved.

Visitation for Maisie will be held Thursday, January 2nd, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Shriners and Masonic service at 6:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. She will lie in state on Friday, January 3rd, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of her 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2326 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Maisie will be laid to eternal rest beside Jack in Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to the Moslem Shriners Hospital Transportation Fund, 37987 Interchange Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335.