Amelia Cornelius

1938 - 2016

Cornelius, Amelia

Amelia "Sister" Margaret (Hawk) Cornelius, 78, of Oneida, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Amelia was born on January 28, 1938, daughter of Arthur Hawk and Priscilla Jordan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

June 1996 Amelia received her Bachelors degree from UWGreen Bay in Communications. She served in many civil and religious capacities. She served 16 years as the Oneida Tribal Secretary, 6 years as Oneida Gaming Assistant Manager, 13 years on the Oneida Gaming Commission and 7 years as the Director of the Oneida Bilingual/Bicultural Program.

Her contributions were significant to the growth and preservation of the Oneida Nation. She was project manager for the building of the original Anna John Nursing Home and assisted in the development of a grant for the Oneida Museum. Amelia understood and knew the real culture of the Oneida people and devoted much time and energy to the preservation of the language. She loved sharing the stories and history of the Oneidas to area school children and anyone else that was interested in hearing them. Amelia was industrious and could often be found working outside. Almost every year she planted a garden. Amelia was well known throughout the community for her traditional Oneida corn bread and her cornhusk dolls.

Amelia was a dedicated and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She taught and spiritually educated many including the youth. She imparted her spiritual wisdom and counsel to all. She was happiest when she was serving others.

Amelia was a wonderful matriarch of her home. She was passionate about caring for her 6 children, Linn Cornelius, Kim (Ian) Nishimoto, Laura (Todd) Larkin, Kevin (Sheri) Cornelius, Kerry (Kim) Cornelius, Lee Cornelius, 17 grandchildren, Jessica Nishimoto, Justin (Francesca) Nishimoto, Adam (Kirsten) Nishimoto, Keilani Nishimoto, Jordan Larkin, Levi Larkin, Alisquette Larkin, Kevin (Natalie) Cornelius, Clint Cornelius, Renae Cornelius, Brent Cornelius, Tonya (Braden) Irvine, Kathryn (Tyler) Boyea, Krysta (Nick) Higgins, Kyle Cornelius, Aleena Tourtillott, Tiana Cornelius, and 5 great grandchildren, Caden Nishimoto, Gabriel Nishimoto, Clay Cornelius, Hazel Cornelius, Israel Nishimoto. She is survived by her sister Arletta Kurowski and two brothers, Ted (Gloria) Hawk and Albert (Vicki) Manders. She was preceded in death by her parents and former husband Ira Cornelius, and two brothers, Grover and Arthur Hawk.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016 from 4pm-7pm at Ryan Funeral Home located at 305 North 10th St, DePere. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 11am - Noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at N6135 Seminary Rd. in Oneida with viewing beginning at 10:00am.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all family and friends who have assisted them during this difficult time and helped to lighten the burden and pain of Amelia's passing.