Patricia McCann Cornelis

Pat Cornelis died Wednesday, May 17th, 2006, of congestive heart failure. She was the third daughter of Jewel and Roscoe McCann of Georgetown, Texas. Pat moved to Austin with her sisters, Melody and Ollie, to go to school and work. During World War II, she worked at Bergstrom Airforce Base. Later in life, she worked at the Texas House of Representatives. Pat had an enthusiasm for life that was delightful to all. While an extremely private person, those who knew her well were continuously amazed by her acerbic wit, intellect, and ability to work a crossword puzzle in ink.. She could literally make you laugh until you cried. In her kitchen, she held court. Pat discussed art, poetry, and politics with grace and candor. She was a voracious reader and even owned banned books. Pat encouraged us to express our opinions, voice our concerns, and tell her our problems. Pat did not always agree with us, but she always listened. Pat believed that life is a banquet—and she practiced that belief. She was a gift, she was magic. Pat is survived by her loving daughters, Lisa Conley and Chris Cornelis; her sisters, Melody Coyle and Ollie Bible; nephew Mike Coyle, nieces Patty Coyle Hagans, Melanie Coyle Walters; niece Pamela Bible Warren, nephew Philip Bible; great nieces and nephews William and Lindsay Hagans; Collen and Sean Coyle; Katherine and Sarah Jane Bible, and her precious cat “Bukie.” Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 23rd at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com