Mary Jo Cornwell

Mary Jo Downs Cornwell found peace on September 6, 2021 at 12:42 am when her heavenly spirit was released from her mortal body with her final breath. She was lifted to the heavens on a wave of prayers from everyone that loved her. In the presence of her husband Steve, daughter Katie, son in law Chad, and granddaughter Rowan, and with the voice of her surrogate grandson Malakai to comfort her and lend her strength, she was able to reunite with her mother Betty, father William, aunt Catherine, and uncle Earl. While her journey with melanoma was long and at times arduous, her never ending hope, strength, and positive outlook filled all that knew her with awe and inspiration. Known to many as a guardian angel, Mary Jo enhanced the life of everyone she met.

Born in Louisville Ky on April 24, 1955, Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 35 years, Steven; daughter Katie (Chad) Morris; grand daughter Rowan; step-daughter Erin (Michael) Bowers; siblings Bill (Carol) Downs, Mark (Kathy) Downs, Barbra Downs Forbes; cousins Dawn (Pete) Ryan, Dusk (Troy) Dutt; best friend Debbie Render and Mark Smith and her many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and surrogate family.

A Louisville native with a heart for the country, Mary Jo’s favorite childhood memories were of her time spent in Leitchfield at her grandparent’s house with her siblings and cousins. She was a graduate of Moore High School in 1973, and then a proud graduate of the University of Louisville, GO CARDS!

She was a lover of soap opera dinners, karaoke nights, luxury vacations - be it a campsite or tropical island, her Louisville Cardinal athletics, decadent desserts ordered for everyone at the table, tins of International Delights instant coffee, front porch sitting with windchimes blowing in the breeze, hand-crafting and painting. Her wine tastes evolved from boxed Franzia Rose to Arbor Mist to locally produced fruit wines (once Katie was old enough to legally host wine tasting nights). Mary Jo was a corny Cornwell and always appreciated a good pun or dad joke. She was an avid patron of the arts, making sure to incorporate holiday performances into family tradition, and she held a soft spot for the musical “Oklahoma”. Singing and dancing brought her true joy in small moments at home with her grand baby and she was always the first to hop on stage at school to make students smile. She was happiest in the water and loved spending time in and near the ocean in Florida. Christmas was her favorite holiday, truly embracing and embodying the magic of the season.

Her professional career in education spanned nearly four decades including work with the Archdiocese, Boys Haven, and ending in retirement from Jefferson County Public Schools after 30 years at Coral Ridge Elementary. A life-long educator and child advocate, retirement didn't really stick and she continued her work as a substitute teacher and a tutor at Canaan Christian. As her shelves can attest, she kept every knick-knack, coffee mug, and treasure (especially those that were hand made) gifted by her students.

Personally, Mary Jo valued her roles as a wife and mother. She and Steve recently celebrated 35 years of marriage. She was a caregiver to all, always offering a safe haven and physical space to those who needed one. She was only ever a phone call away to help someone in need, no matter how small. Her favorite role was grandma to Rowan, who never failed to bring a smile to her face.

She will be deeply missed by friends, family, colleagues, and all who knew her. Her legacy will live on in the many students she guided throughout the years. Those who knew Mary Jo often described her as a guardian angel and we have no doubt that will continue though she isn’t here in person.

Memorial Information:

A memorial hosted by Mary Jo’s school family will be held at Coral Ridge Elementary this spring with a bench dedication and tree planting.

A private Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, October 17th from 4pm to 7pm at the Buechel Woman’s Club.

Those wishing to honor Mary Jo are invited to make a donation in her name to a children’s charity of their choosing, for example Friends of the Library, Coral Ridge Family Resource Center, etc.