May Cornell

EAST PEORIA—May Cornell, 93, a resident of OSF St. Clare Home, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 2:30 PM at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. She was formerly a long-time resident of East Peoria. May was born in Brandon, Manitoba Canada on March 14, 1915 to Louisa Wallace Askey and Joseph Thomas Greaves. May immigrated with her mother and twin brother to the US during her junior high years after her father died. She graduated from Quincy High School in 1933 and from St. Mary School of Nursing in Quincy in 1936. She was married to Raymond Cornell on July 3, 1937 in Gillespie, IL. He preceded her in death on November 18, 1986. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Redenius (Leland, dec.) of East Peoria and Michele Romane (Arthur) of Ballwin, MO. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rhonda Valentino, Rod Romane, Becky Scrimager, Kathy Bachman and LeAnn Craven. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Kristin and Gabby Valentino, Courtney and Sophia Romane, Lara Newman, Geoffrey Scrimager, Michael Bachman, Karin Doll and John Leland Craven. She also had 2 great-great grandchildren, Cody and Kylie Doll. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother Thomas Greaves, and an infant daughter, Dorothy. May was a registered nurse working for Visiting Nurses Assoc. in Peoria, retiring in 1967. She and Raymond retired to Largo, FL in 1980 and she remained there after Raymond’s death until she moved to East Peoria to live with her daughter Pat. May was a member of East Peoria Women’s Club and was the volunteer of the year at the Arthritis Foundation. She also delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. While in Florida, she was a member of St. Duncan’s Episcopal Church and was active in the ECW and various other missions at that church. May was always the consummate caregiver, both for her family and friends and neighbors. May was a devoted member of the Anglican Church of St. Andrew the Apostle and loved the visits from the priests and deacons during her residence at St. Clare Home. Services will be held on Monday, October 13, 2008 at 3 PM at her church at 1601 NE Madison St, Peoria, IL with visitation one hour prior to services. Fr. Eric Craig will officiate. Fr. Craig has been a godsend to her and to her family during her final illness and the family is ever grateful for all his love and prayers. Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements. May will be buried at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

May Cornell

March 14, 1915 - October 10, 2008