Cindy Cornell

Date of Birth

Jan 19,1924

Date of Death

Jul 06,2015

Lucille Marguerite “Cindy” Cornell, age 91, of Elburn, formerly of St. Charles, ascended to her Heavenly home, Monday, July 6, 2015. Cindy embodied the phrase, “Angel among us”, and the world will be poorer for her absence.

She was born January 19, 1924, the daughter of John and Florence (Helburg) McConnaughay.

Cindy grew up in Bluford, IL and attended country schools until the family moved north to St. Charles, IL, in 1934. She continued her education at Lincoln Grade School and Haines Jr. High before graduating from St. Charles High School with the class of 1941.

Following graduation, Cindy went to find work when many of the manufacturing plants were switching over to “war time”. She eventually found a home at Illinois Bell as a “number please” operator. Cindy quickly climbed the ranks through repair service dispatch to commercial business office and sales. Before retiring in 1980, Cindy worked herself into the District Office.

It was her time at Illinois Bell that a “man in uniform” not only caught her eye, but her heart as well. Jerome “Jerry” Cornell and Cindy were united in marriage on April 18, 1953.

They made homes in St. Charles and Wasco before moving to Elburn in 1985, but each stop marked a new place to gather and sing, filling each home with love and memories that will never be forgotten.

Cindy was a faithful member of the St. Charles Pentecostal Church until 1962 before devoting the rest of her life alongside her husband to the Global Missions Church.

Cindy was beloved by all and was renowned for her persistence, patience, compassion and determination. A proud cancer survivor of 26 years and an even prouder grandmother of five and great-grandmother of four, Cindy didn’t have to look far to count all of her blessings. She spent many years traveling with Jerry across the country and abroad for the church. Many times they would land back at home for just a few days, at most a week, before launching themselves back on the road. Everything she did, she did in support of her husband and family without complaint. Not that there weren’t any troubles along the way. When they would come upon a difficult stretch, Cindy managed each trial with an amazing amount of grace and aplomb. If she was pushed she would order Jerry to sit down, bring two cups of coffee, and an added admonition to “be quiet, I’m talking”. By 2003, the number of trips had declined and finally stopped in 2006. It was then that Cindy truly had time to revel in her element. Her true love, besides Jerry, was to keep house. Her home, wherever she made it, was the destination for church and family gatherings. No matter how many people walked through the door, they were greeted with a smile and an invitation to become part of her family. Cindy knew no strangers and all who were blessed to be in her presence, felt luckier for it. She will be missed deeply and remembered fondly forever.

She is survived by her two children:
Carol Cornell and
Phil (Mary) Cornell;
Five grandchildren:
Neil (Sarah Solzak) Turecek,
Chris (Alexi Runions) Turecek,
Philip (Amber Leonard) Cornell II,
Jackie Cornell and
Nicole (Allen McIntosh) Cornell;
Four great-grandchildren:
Katy Turecek,
Lane Cornell,
Abbi Cornell and
Journee Cornell;
One brother, Norvin McConnaughay;
One sister-in-law, Marilyn McConnaughay;
Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and a world of friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; parents John and Florence McConnaughay. One grandson, Nathaniel Cornell; Two sisters, Marie (Bob) Chase and Helen McConnaughay; Four brothers: Harold (Wilma) McConnaughay, Lloyd (Gladys) McConnaughay, Stanley (Betty) McConnaughay and David McConnaughay and one sister-in-law, Ernie Lee McConnaughay.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2015, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral to celebrate her life and faith will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 11, also at the funeral home with interment to follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Cindy’s name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the “Lucille Cornell Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address.

A funeral to celebrate her life and faith will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 11, also at the funeral home with interment to follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2015, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

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