Obituary of Eileen M. Cornell

Eileen M Cornell of Sidney, N.Y.

Eileen Mullin Cornell, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 21, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.  Born November 4, 1943 in Manhattan, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ambrose L. and Helen (Smith) Mullin. On August 22, 1964 she married Duane F. Cornell, who preceded her in death on June 21, 2004.

Eileen graduated from St. Agnes Academy in Queens, NY in 1961.  She subsequently earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, and Master of Science in Education at the State University College at Oneonta.  She later furthered her education, earning her Certificate of Advanced Study in School Administration and Supervision from SUNY Cortland in 1986. 

Eileen began her career as a second grade teacher at Sidney Elementary School in 1965.  She later became a reading teacher for NYS Division for Youth at Camp Brace in 1975, eventually becoming the Education Director and also the Assistant Director of the facility.  She was devoted to the youth she served in DFY, and was often referred to as the “Mother of Brace” by staff and residents.  Her goal was always to encourage everyone to reach their full potential.  She retired in 2002. 

Family was everything to Eileen.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  Most recently she was thrilled to become a great-grandmother. Some of her greatest joys included hosting holiday gatherings at her home, travelling far and wide to attend her grandchildren’s events, and celebrating the variety of talents and interests of her grandchildren.  She had an appreciation and joy for life that was contagious.  She loved spending time with family and her many dear friends.  Eileen loved to travel and experience different cultures, including Europe, the Middle East, Central America, and Canada.  She boldly went in search of knowledge and adventures.  She had special connections and a love for Prince Edward Island in Canada, and the coast of South Carolina.

Eileen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin Cornell and Remy Nobello; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Deidre Cornell; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Timothy Gascon; son, John Cornell; nine grandchildren, Courtney (and John) Mercurio, Cassandra (and Sean) Bligh, Sean, Molly, Kahlen, Molly, Zorion, & Tracy Cornell, and Michael Carlin; great-grandson Luca Mercurio; sister-in-law, Lois Knowles; and numerous treasured friends and relatives.

Friends may call Tuesday, June 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, June 27, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Liberty St., in Sidney, with the Father Joseph Mary Offeh officiating.  Burial will be in Ouleout Valley Cemetery in Franklin, N.Y. immediately following the mass.  A reception will follow at the Sidney Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Eileen’s name to the Tara Hall Home For Boys, Care of:  James E. Dumm, Jr.  P.O. Box 955 Georgetown, S.C., 29440. (843) 546-3000. http://www.tarahall.org.

Share condolences with the family online at www.landersfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.