Ida H. Thornburg

East Schodack- Ida Thornburg, 86, peacefully passed away on August 11, 2026, at her daughter's home, surrounded by her closest family and friend.

Born in Bloomington, New York, on July 25, 1940, Ida's life began in a special way, she was delivered by her own grandmother. She was the daughter of the late Theodore Elliott and Ida Neilson.

Ida graduated from Montgomery High School in Montgomery, New York, before continuing her education at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she earned a degree in child development. In 1962, Ida and her first husband, Donald Hande, moved to the Capital Region and purchased their first home in Nassau. It was there that Ida began a long and varied career centered around her love of children and her strong work ethic. She began as a teacher at Ichabod Crane and later became the owner and operator of Jack and Jill Preschool for many years. She also served as Child Care Director at SUNY Cobleskill, worked for Spancrete Industries, and ultimately retired from Vicarious Visions in Menands.

The house Ida purchased in Nassau in 1962 remained her home for more than 60 years. For the last three years of her life, she made her home with her daughter, Jayne, in East Schodack.

In retirement, Ida enjoyed traveling and took many memorable vacations both throughout the United States and abroad. At home, she could often be found working in the woods or tending to her beautiful rock waterfall and koi pond. An avid animal lover, Ida especially treasured the companionship of her beloved West Highland Terriers.

Ida was predeceased by her parents, Theodore Elliott and Ida Neilson; her brother, Thomas Elliott; her first husband, Donald Hande; and her second husband, Richard Thornburg.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Jayne (Rich) Hunt; her brother, James Elliott; her granddaughters, Courtney Denue, Hannah and Rachel; many great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Graveside services will be held privately at the family plot in New Hurley, New York.

In keeping with Ida's lifelong love of animals, those wishing to remember her in a special way may make memorial contributions to Free to Be Me Rescue, 775 New Loudon Road, Latham, NY 12110, or online through Free to Be Me Rescue.

Jayne would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Ida's home health care aides, Deanna and Michelle, for the kindness, compassion, care and assistance they provided to Ida and her family.