Obituary of Nadine Thorn

Nadine D. Thorn (nee Regel), 60, of Zion, IL passed away peacefully of complications of chemotherapy, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Nadine was born June 6, 1961 at Victory Hospital in Waukegan, IL; the daughter of Margie and David Regel. Nadine was raised in Winthrop Harbor. After graduating from Zion Benton Township High School class of 1979, she went on to attend Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL from 1980 to 1983 and Carthage College in Kenosha, WI where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 1984. In college, she was a member of Little Sisters of Sigma Phi Epsilon. On June 8, 1985, Nadine married the love of her life, best friend and high school sweetheart, Mark Thorn, at Our Lady of Humility Church in Beach Park. Together they made Zion their home. Nadine was a faithful parishioner of First United Methodist Church in Waukegan where she was a member of the Bell Choir. She worked several places in her life where she touched the lives of many. In high school she was a server at Long John Silvers, where Mark was a cook; later, she worked for Waukegan Blueprint in the Art Supply area. She did beach water testing for North Shore Sanitation and worked at Abbott Laboratories, making a difference in the lives of many, in AIDS and Hepatitis Research. Most recently, Nadine worked alongside her husband Mark, as the General Manager for Olson Comfort Services Heating and Cooling in Waukegan. She was a sponsoring mother of Rotary International to exchange students and young adults. Nadine was a gifted artist; sketches and stipple art being some of her favorites. She was also an exemplary athlete playing volleyball, softball, tennis and golf. Nadine had a gift for gardening; flowers from Mark’s grandmother still grow in their yard. She was a fantastic cook and loved animals, especially giraffes. Nadine served as a member of several organizations over the years. She was an original member of the Zion Liquor Commission, the Douglas Chapter of the Waukegan Garden Club and Zion Benton Moose Lodge. She was also lovingly referred to as the ‘heart and soul’ of Lake County Heating and Cooling Association. Nadine was a tutor at East Grade School, and a Sunday School Teacher for more than 25 years. She was a member of Ontonagon Valley Sportsmen’s Club in Bruce Crossing, MI and part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed hiking with Mark and her dogs, bonfires, kayaking, black licorice and snorkeling during her many travel adventures. She was a stargazer and loved watching the shooting stars. Out of her love for crafting, “Nadine’s Notions” created many treasures that she sold at craft fairs in the area. Most importantly, Nadine was the founding mother of “Team Thorn” and “The Boys”. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother that will be missed by all who knew her. Nadine leaves behind to treasure her memory, her husband of 36 years, Mark Thorn; sons, Luke Grayson (Angie Sue) Thorn, Matthew Elliott (Devan Reneeʹ) Thorn, and Paul Nicholas (Jennifer Marie) Thorn; grandchildren, Leo Grayson, Payton Nicholas, Lillee Nevaeh, Knox Graham and Beckett Jeffrey; mother, Margie Regel; brother, David Regel, Jr., sister, Kathleen Regel; brother, Anthony “Tony” Regel; mother and father in law, Sharron and John Thorn; many cousins, grand dogs and grand cats, and a host of special friends. She was met at the gates of Heaven by her father, David where she joined the aunts, uncles and cousins gone before her. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Northwestern Hospital and all of those involved in her care and treatment; Rev. Dr. Barbara Morgan for her prayers and love when they were needed most. Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, 128 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Zoom link for service - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82351644674?pwd=RmttWnh4MENVZHE4dS9xcjV1V0g5UT09, Meeting ID: 823 5164 4674, Passcode: 937691. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Nadine's name, for the care and treatment of others, to giving.nm.org/nadinethorn