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Shirley Cornell Obituary
Shirley Ann Hess was born in West Scranton on Aug. 18, 1942, daughter of the late Christian G. and Blenda Johnson Hess, She attended West Scranton High School and graduated with a practical arts degree in 1960. Shirley earned her LPN from Mercedian School of Practical Nursing, St. Mary's Hospital. She worked on the men's ward of Moses Taylor Hospital, where she met and later married patient, Loren Cornell, in 1968. After marriage, Shirley and Loren moved to Hancock, N.Y., where she worked at Read Memorial Hospital, until the birth of her first daughter, Diane. The family then moved to the current residence in Preston Park, where they were later joined by their second daughter, Janet. Shirley was active in her home church in Scranton, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and later in her current church, Emory United Methodist, Hancock. She was a very active member of the United Methodist Women, both in her local church and in the former Wyoming Conference.
Shirley courageously fought scleroderma for 27 years and she was also a breast cancer survivor.
Also surviving are two daughters, Diane Geer and husband, Paul; and Janet Rice and husband, Jonathan; a grandson, Noah Rice; a brother, Clarence Hess and wife, Sue; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Hess; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death a brother, Robert Hess.
The funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. with services in Emory United Methodist Church. Calling hours will be at the church today, 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 to 10:30. Interment will be at Hartwick Cemetery, Hartwick, N.Y. Donations may be made to Emory United Methodist Church or to Hospice St. John, Honesdale. Arrangements are by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Cornell
October 26, 2010
Dear Diane and family, We are so sorry to here about the loss of your mom. She was a very gracious lady and we enjoy spending time with her. Our prayers are with you and your family at this dificult time. Judy and Barbara Becker
Russell, Louise & Jacob
October 23, 2010
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
October 23, 2010
Prays are with you and your family, Your Mom will be greatly missed. She was one great lady. Debbie
John James
October 23, 2010
Loren and family,
I would like to send my deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Shirley was one of the greatest people I have known in my life. No matter what was going on in her own life, she always put other people first.
I am so happy that we were able to stay in touch through the years. She gave me many, MANY wonderful childhood memories that I will never forget. It seems like just yesterday that she and Aunt Blenda were canning the BEST chili sauce in the world in their house on Everett Ave. in Scranton.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, especially in the difficult days ahead. The world has lost one truly wonderful person.
Love,
Cousin John
Donna James
October 22, 2010
Loren, Diane & Janet,
John and I are so very sorry for your great loss of Shirley. She is truly one of the sweetest, most thoughtful and caring people I have ever known. Despite her own problems battling the scleroderma, she always found a way to be there for everyone. I will NEVER forget how touched I felt to see her walk in the door at my father's funeral. She traveled so far to come to his funeral and that will ALWAYS mean the world to me. John has shared so many wonderful memories he has of Shirley with me throughout our marriage, and of Uncle Christie and Aunt Blenda, that I feel like I knew them back then.
I will miss chatting on the phone with Shirley and her yearly family updates that she would send out at Christmas. She was so proud of all of you and that love and pride came through in all her letters and phone calls. She will be missed more than words can say. Heaven has gained one very special angel.
Love,
Donna
John James
October 22, 2010
Loren and family,
I would like to send you and your family my deepest, heartfelt sympathy. Shirley was one of the greatest people I have known in my life. No matter what was going on in her own life, she always put other people first.
I am so happy that we were always able to stay in touch through the years. She gave me many, MANY great childhood memories that I will never forget. It seems like yesterday that she and Aunt Blenda were canning the best chili sauce in the world, at their house on Everett Ave. in Scranton.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, especially in the difficult days ahead. The world has lost a really special person.
Love,
Cousin John
Nancy Russell
October 22, 2010
Dear Diane and family,
Larry and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you. I personally am so glad to have known her, a delightful lady, caring and kind, thanks Shirley for all you have given as a legacy to all the people you touched. Have a special life in God's heaven and we'll see you there one day! Again our sincerest sympathy for the loss you are grieving. In prayer and care,
Pastors Nancy and Larry Russell
Christopher+Brandi Rice and Girls
October 22, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
October 22, 2010
Loren,Diane,Paul,Janet,Jon,Noah. Sorry for your loss.She will be missed. Helen Geer Starlight Pa.
Barbara Thorbjörnsson
October 22, 2010
Diane ad Paul and Charlie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am here if and when you need to talk. I promise I will listen and not talk. I am [raying for your continued strength and hope in the Lord.
Love to you,
barbara
Ruth Parry
October 22, 2010
Diane and Paul,
You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.
Ruth and Doris Parry
Tim Gallagher
October 22, 2010
Dear Diane, Paul and family-So sorry for your loss...Shirley will definitely be missed. Hope you feel the love and prayers coming to you from your friends in Binghamton.-Sue Boucher
Joyce Thomas
October 22, 2010
Loren and family--I am so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing but she is at peace. She was a strong lady and always so thoughtful and welling to help. It has been a long battle for all of you and now God will care for her. My sympathy to you all...Love Joyce Thomas
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