Ethel M. (Brundage) Thornton, of Melrose, died at the Wingate of Reading on March 23, 2014 at the age of 93. Ethel was born in Cambridge and raised in Somerville and attended Somerville Schools. She resided in Cambridge until 1959, Malden for 8 years, Waltham for 5 years and the past 25 years in Melrose. Ethel worked as a Clerk for American Mutual Insurance Company in Wakefield for over 10 years and as a Cook for the Malden School System for 20 years before her retirement. She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, enjoyed playing bingo and a member of the V.F.W. & Americal in Melrose for over 25 years. Ethel was the beloved wife of the late Robert N. Thornton & former wife of the late Joseph Testa. Loving mother of Rosemary Ardagna & her husband Tony of Medford, Joseph Testa & his wife Sandy of FL, Richard Testa & his wife Fran of Wakefield. Caring stepmother of Gordon Thornton & his wife Rosemary of N. Reading and Paul Thornton & his wife Cindy of Reading. Devoted sister of Fred Brundage & his wife Joan of Somerville and the late Doris Carucci, Frank Brundage and Marie Ackerely. Also survived by 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. A funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, March 28th at 11AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours on Thursday from 4-7PM. Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. P. O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.