Judith Mae (Vieira) Thornhill, 84, of New Bedford died peacefully on Monday February 10, 2025 at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was the wife of the late Carl Thornhill.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Mary (Sa) Rogers, she resided in New Bedford all of her life. She was married to Carl for over 50 years, spending all of their life together in the South End of New Bedford. She dedicated 29 years to the historic New Bedford Day Nursery, serving as Head Nursery Teacher for 16 years. She was a vital bridge for New Bedford's Portuguese-speaking families, providing crucial support to single working mothers and low-income households. After her retirement, she worked part-time as a substitute teacher at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. She and her family were long time members of the Low Tide Yacht Club in New Bedford.

She is survived by her three sons, Mark Thornhill, Robert Thornhill, and John J. Thornhill, and foster son Joseph Street, all of New Bedford; her brother, Richard Michaels of Florida; four grandchildren, Kathryn Thornhill, Andrew Thornhill, Cortney Jimenez, and Colby Street; and two great-grandchildren, Kai Thornhill and Sophie Jimenez.

She was predeceased by her sister Nancy Cadime.

Private funeral arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Friends and family may honor Judy's memory through flowers or by making a donation to the United Way, an organization dedicated to strengthening communities like those she served throughout her life. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.