Obituary of Mary F. Cornwall

North Creek: Mary F. Cornwall, 84, of Main Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at her home after a long illness. On October 12, 1922, Mary was the eighth child to join the family of twelve born to her exceptional parents, Henry and Addie Freebern in North Creek. Following graduation from North Creek High School in 1941, Mary married her sweetheart, Richard Forest Cornwall. They enjoyed 32 years together before his unexpected death in March of 1974. During World War II, Mary was a telephone operator in North Creek, living and working with her much-loved sister-in-law, Jean R. Freebern, each having a young child and a husband in the service. Mary was also a caregiver to several area children, each of whom she loved as her own. After her husband’s death, Mary worked at Johnsburg Central School and at Gore Mountain Ski Center until retirement. One of Mary’s greatest enjoyments was her involvement with the local senior citizens group and the trips they took together, as well as the wonderful friends she made. Mary particularly enjoyed her grandchildren's and great grandchildren’s musical and sporting events, and loved talking with each child about their daily lives and interests. She was a most loving grandma, who could creatively involve a child in the most simple of entertainments, and they all will miss her greatly. Time spent with family and friends was considered a blessing, especially when illness curtailed Mary's physical participation. Mary believed family and friendships were cherished gifts. During her lifetime, Mary endured much grief and the loss of many loved ones, but always continued on with grace, dignity, a sense of humor, and a lovely smile. Besides Mary's beloved husband and parents, two sons, David and Duane; one grandson, Christian; six brothers, two sisters, one sister-in-law, and two brothers-in-law predeceased her. Survivors include her loving family: daughter, Linda Butler and her husband, Thomas, of North Creek; son, Bruce and wife Patricia of Culpeper, VA; son, Gregory of Indian Lake; three sisters and their husbands; Agnes and John Villeneuve, Jane and Rollin Swinton, Ann and Patrick Porter, all of North Creek. Also, four granddaughters; Victoria Styffe and her husband, Edward; Heather Butler; Jessica Connelly and her husband, Jay; Kiely Knickerbocker and her husband, Gerry; four grandsons; David, Sean, Devin, and Liam Cornwall. Surviving also are one great-granddaughter, Kerri Lynn Driscoll; three great-grandsons, Justin and Matthew Driscoll and Esa Jack Connelly, many much-loved nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews, as well as many wonderfully supportive friends and neighbors. Friends may call on Mary’s family from 2 to 4 pm Friday, May 18 at Alexander Funeral Home, Inc., State Route 28, North River. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 4 pm at the funeral home beginning with members of the North Creek American Legion Post 629 Ladies Auxiliary followed by the Rev. Trudy Pettibone, pastor of North Creek Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at the family site in Union Cemetery in North Creek. If family or friends wish to make a contribution in loving memory of Mary, suggestions are to the Johnsburg Rescue Squad, Feed the Children, or to one's own special charity. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Johnsburg Rescue Squad, the doctors and staff at Hudson Headwaters Health Network, and especially to Dr. Way and PA Connor, for their professional support and compassion toward our Mom over the past several years. We are indeed fortunate to have these people and services in our community. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.