Mrs. Kathleen Joan Cornell

Kathy Joan Cornell is now with the Lord after passing away peacefully early Friday morning May 10, 2013. Kathy was born April 8, 1951 in Boise, Idaho. She was the oldest of eight children and had the opportunity to see much of the western United States moving around as a child. While in Colorado, she met her future husband, John, in Junior High School. As their military families went their separate ways, they maintained correspondence over the years fell in love and married on July 10, 1971. They began their life together in Louisiana as a military family. They moved to New Jersey where their first son, John Jr. was born, and later were transferred to Maryland where their daughter Marie was born. Several years later their third child, Darrell, was born in Okinawa, Japan. Kathy was a dedicated wife and mother. She was a teacher’s aide and also volunteered her time as a boy and girl scout leader and Sunday School teacher. Kathy was very talented in making arts and crafts especially enjoying crocheting, knitting, sewing and ceramics. Family and friends still enjoy her handiwork. While stationed at Fort Bragg, the family became involved in a lifelong enjoyment of live theater. Her sewing talents were put to use making costumes for different plays and productions. During the rehearsals and shows, they became acquainted with many famous actors and actresses. Among their many duty stations, Washington D.C. was one of their favorites. Kathy enjoyed the chance to be a tour guide to the many family members who visited. No matter where Kathy and her family were, they always traveled the surrounding area and learned about that section of our country. The family retired in Orlando, Florida and had a lot of fun at the theme parks. Kathy soon took a job at Disney World and then later at Sea World selling souvenirs at one of the many gift shops, and enjoyed meeting and interacting with the tourists. During this time her daughter Marie married and Kathy’s three grandchildren were born. Kathy was a wonderful wife and mother and will be greatly missed by family and friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her sisters Kathryn and Christine. She is survived by her loving husband, John Cornell, her three children, John Cornell Junior, Marie Stripling, and Darrell Cornell, her three grandchildren, Zachary, Dustin and Chase Stripling. She is also survived by her mother Betty Murphy and her father Reginald Wright, her sister Penny, and her brothers Sidney, Art, Stan and Scott, her Aunt Arleen, cousin Carleen and many other loving family members.

Mrs. Kathleen Joan Cornell

April 8, 1951 - May 10, 2013