Renee Thornton Obituary

Renee Estrada Thornton, a beacon of joy and passion, graced this world with her presence on February 14, 1967, in the vibrant city of Orange, California, and it is with a heavy yet grateful heart that we announce her peaceful passing on June 24, 2025, in the same loving community where her story began. Renee's life was a testament to the power of laughter, love, and unwavering faith, and her legacy of warmth will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Renee's journey through life was marked by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and personal growth. As a proud graduate of El Modena High School's class of 1985, she carried the spirit of her hometown into her further studies at Santa Ana College and Chapman University, where she earned her degree in Legal Studies. Her academic achievements laid a strong foundation for a successful career, as she brought her intelligence and charm to her role as a Retail Sales Manager in the Shoe Department at Sears. It was here that Renee's love for shoes blossomed-not for the sake of possession, but for the artistry and design that each pair represented.
Love found Renee in the most unexpected of places, the local Oasis, where she met the love of her life, Brad Thornton, in 2006. The connection was undeniable, and after four years of building a life together, they sealed their bond in matrimony in 2010. Their marriage was a dance of joy and companionship, celebrating over 14 beautiful years, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and countless cherished moments.
Family was the cornerstone of Renee's world, and she was the heart of hers. She leaves behind her adoring husband, Brad, her beloved mother, Toni Estrada, and her brothers, Rudy Estrada Jr., (and his wife Ana) and Robert Estrada. Her love extended to her nieces Reina, Ramya, Raquel, and Rose, her nephews Remington (and his wife Ally) and Royce, and her grand-niece Ophelia, each of whom she adored with every fiber of her being.
Renee's interests were as varied as they were vibrant. She was a devoted sports enthusiast, sharing her passion for football with Brad and friends, and their annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the Superbowl was a highlight of the year. A dedicated Dodgers fan, she also held a special place in her heart for the Angels, in honor of her mother's allegiance. Often she would wear an Angels shirt alongside of her husband wearing his Dodger Shirt to the local games. Sundays were sacred to Renee, reserved for cherished breakfast burritos with Brad and serene moments at home, reflecting the simple pleasures that she valued most. Renee loved 80's music and going to local live music shows.
Brought up in the Catholic faith, Renee's spirituality was a wellspring of strength and comfort. Her beautiful spirit and infectious laughter were a source of light and positivity, illuminating the lives of all around her.
Renee Estrada Thornton was the epitome of what it means to live a life filled with humor, love, and passion. Her story is not one of sadness but a celebration of a life well-lived, a journey marked by the joy she brought to others, the love she shared, and the laughter that will echo in our memories forever. Let us honor Renee's memory by embodying her vivacious spirit, approaching each day with her boundless enthusiasm, and spreading the love she so freely gave to the world.
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