Saleta M. Cornwall

SALETA MAY CAMPBELL CORNWALL passed away January 8, 2002 in Lynnwood, after a long battle with vascular dementia. She was born May 27, 1924 in Moscow, Idaho and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, the daughter of Myron and Mary Clark Campbell. Her husband of 39 years, Edwin Paul Cornwall preceded Saleta in death. She is survived by her 2 daughters Mary Ulysses Kikikis of Mountlake Terrace, and Judy Rock Talbot of Lake Stevens; 4 grandchildren Stephen and Christopher, Kristin and Kim; and her dear friend Ruth Froude of Seattle. Memorial services Saturday, January 19 at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

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In Memory of Gramma

January 8, 2002

11:23 PM

On the cloudy night of January 8, 2002, at eleven twenty-three, one of the dearest persons to me passed away. My Gramma, Saleta May Campbell Cornwall. Around 1996 my Gramma started to have strokes, which later caused severe memory loss. My Grammas best and most loyal friend Ruth Elizabeth Froude, at the age of ninety, continued to live with and then take care of my Gramma, which is more than my family could have ever asked for. Ruth aided my Gramma and was able to have her remain in their house for about three years.

In late 1999 my aunt Judy, mother Mary Renee, and various other people began to look for the perfect Assisted Living Home that would meet the needs of my Gramma. After a lot of research they decided to take my Gramma to Hearthside of Lynnwood. Here she stayed in the hands of several wonderful people willing to devote their lives to the care of elderly patients with Alzheimer?s and other similar illnesses. She continued to live here until September 1, 2001, when they could no longer care for her. During previous research my mother came across ManorCare of Lynnwood, and now decided this would be most fitting for my Gramma?s increasing needs. The employees there did an excellent job of caring for her. There she remained until tonight, where she passed away peacefully at the age of seventy-seven.

Now I stare up looking at the clouds and can nearly picture Gramma entering the gates of heaven. I thank God for giving her a beautiful life, for all the knowledge that she has passed on to me and others, and most of all for each and every second of my life that I spent with her. She taught us all to love one another and help one another, and lived as a beautiful example to each person she met. God give her soul rest, and may her memory be eternal.

by Christopher Paul Kikikis

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Sal and Ed were married 13 years before deciding to have children. Before Mary and Judy were born they sang in their church choir and the Seattle Chorale; enjoyed road trips to many places including Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, Mount Saint Helens, Banff and Jasper in Alberta, Canada and many other ''local'' places. After having children their love for road trips continued with trips to British Columbia, the Oregon coast, Olympic Peninsula, Whidbey Island camp outs and spending part of almost every August on Lopez Island. Many Thanksgivings were spent camping somewhere with an assortment of aunts, uncles and cousins. Then the trailer was winterized to wait for the first camping trip next year, often as early as President's Day weekend!

When Dad was laid off from Boeing for 10 months in 1971 they took advantage of his ''extended vacation''. The day after school got out they hitched up the trailer and began a cross-country road trip! The family historical-monument-hopped across the country, up and down the east coast, and returned home the morning school started in September! This trip, and the shorter one that followed in 1975, brought our parent's love of history, geography and learning in general to life for us. Family was always first for Mom and Dad. While others may choose exotic destinations for their 25th wedding anniversary, our parents packed up the trailer and took their daughters to Disneyland for a week!

Mom was always there for us; she was the Girl Scout Cookie Chairman and day camp helper; PTA President and classroom volunteer; transportation ''taxi'' for basketball, soccer, softball, band, skiing and groups of friends after football games. When we married and had our own children, who attended every pre-school concert, play or grandparents day' Who came to all of Kristin's birthday parties' Who drove all over 2 counties to watch Steve's soccer games in rain, snow or sunshine' Who attended all of Chris's concerts' Who was present when Kim earned his first 3 Cub Scout ranks' You guessed it? it was Mom!

We were taught to do our best in all we do and love the Lord. For Mom and Dad God wasn't someone to keep in a box and only bring out on Sunday mornings. Instead we were taught to integrate Him into all aspects of our lives, including home, school and work. A tough project ? ask for God's help. Something went really well ? thank God for watching over us. To be thankful each and every day for His mercy and grace. Mom raised us to always treat others with respect and dignity. When someone may have hurt our feelings or cut us off on the freeway, we weren't to be angry or return the rude behavior. Instead, she instructed us to always remember that everyone is loved by someone a sibling, spouse, child, parent, friend, etc. and we should always treat other's the way we would want our loved one treated.

If my friend cuts someone off on the freeway, I wouldn't want my friend called a ''jerk'' by the person they cut off. Instead I would want prayer for my friend, that they slow down and get to their destination safely. The next time someone is nasty or rude to you, try not to react in kind. Take a few deep breaths and quickly pray that God comforts them in their frustrations and smoothes their day a bit, that their quick temper subsides and their day improves so they aren't nasty to anyone else for a while. This would make Mom very happy. Practicing this you will also find that you leave every place you've been a little brighter than when you got there, just like Mom did. She was able to find something good in every person and situation she encountered.

As her vascular dementia got worse and her silent strokes continued these last few years, Mom remained her kind, sweet self. In the assisted living facility she asked to help fold laundry, set tables for meals and turn on living room lights each morning. While these were all tasks that had been simple in the past and they became more and more difficult for her each day, Mom continued to ''help'' the staff as much as she was able. Even towards the end, in the nursing home, her caregivers commented to us what a loving person Mom was.

For more information about strokes, treatments, warning signs and prevention, please see the National Stroke Association web site at: http://www.stroke.org/ or telephone 1-800-STROKES 787-6537.

The Kikikis family website can be found at: http://www.odysseyk.com just for fun.

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