Margie Jean Cornelius

MJ was born on February 3, 1939, in Anderson, MO, to Emma Jane “Janie” (Houseman) Dalton and William Henry “June” Dalton. The following year the family welcomed a son, Jackie “Joe” Dalton. They moved and settled in Kansas City, MO, where both kids were raised.

In 1954, MJ married Vincente “Shatto” Brocato. They had three children – Teresa, Vince, and Steve. While their marriage ended in 1978, she never was able to shake Shatto, who remained a fixture at all family gatherings until his passing in 2018.

Shortly after her divorce, MJ met and fell in love with Don Cornelius. The two were married in 1979. The marriage expanded MJ’s family further with the addition of a daughter, Stacey (Cornelius) Larkin. Don was a big guy, with an even bigger personality. He was an expert joke teller, which made MJ an expert eye roller, but their love was undeniable. Don passed in 2011 and we all know he has been waiting to get his hands back on his “Little Doll”.

MJ had a few jobs over the years, but none meant as much to her as her work with the Vincentian Parish Mission and the Sisters of St. Francis, where she made close relationships with many.

MJ was beautiful, inside and out. She was incredibly smart, loved to read, and was very open-minded. She enjoyed conspiracy theories, dessert, listening to 70s music, and Toby Tobin.

MJ was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, son (Vince), husband (Don), and so many close family members and friends. She is survived by her children, Teresa (Dennis) Patterson, Steve Brocato, and Stacey (Mike) Larkin; her grandchildren Kelly Patterson (Dawn Simmons), Ryan (Kate) Patterson, Mikayla Larkin, Sierra Larkin, and Ethan Brocato; and her great-grandchildren Alexandra Bowman, Zoey Bowman, Alayna Patterson, and Paige Patterson.

MJ will be laid to rest alongside Don in Mount Moriah Cemetery. Due to risks associated with COVID, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.