Audrey Alice Cornell, our beloved Mother and Nanny passed away quietly on December 27, 2021, just a week shy of her 93rd birthday, which was Jan. 3, 1929. She was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. She loved to share many stories of her childhood. She moved with her mother Amy and two big sisters Eloise and Rita to Sacramento, CA in 1947 at 18 years of age. She took a job at Kress & Co. as an office employee. It was here where she met and fell in love with Douglas (Dad, Poppy) Cornell in April 1947. They were engaged in August and married on Nov. 27, 1947. It fell on Thanksgiving Day. They recently celebrated 74 years of true love. They moved to Bakersfield and Elaine was born in 1952. A new job for Doug took them to L.A. and Steven was born in 1954. They returned to Sacramento and Lori was born in 1960. Thrifty Drug, Doug’s company, transferred them to Phoenix, AZ in 1963. Mom wanted an education and started at Phx. College and graduated Valedictorian in 1966. She then continued on to A.S.U. where she graduated Suma Cum Laude with a BA in Elementary Education. She quickly landed a great 1st Grade teaching position at Catalina Elementary School for the next 25 amazing, dedicated years. She continued her education to receive a Masters of Counseling and an Administrative Degree. She happily retired in 1993 to help Doug run two business. First was Animal Kingdom, second was ABC Christian Bookstore, both were successful. As for her three kids, Lori married David Andresen in 1979, Steve married Diana Knipe in 1979, and Elaine married Frank Micucci in 1982. She had 4 Grandchilden, Michelle, Jenna, Chad were born to Lori and David, Bethany was born to Steve and Diana. She was thrilled to welcome 11 Great Grandchildren, rather quickly with a 12th baby due in May, Ana Leigh. They are from oldest to youngest, Tenley, Paisley, Emma, Abby (in heaven too), Payton, Drew, Tanner, Hannah, Kensie, Rachelle and Shelby! She adored every little one of them and always remembered their birthdays and was quite generous with gifts, and special attention! Mom and Dad had many fantastic years in retirement life. They traveled the world, went on two cruises, and a Holy Land Tour. They had two summer homes in AZ, one in Spring Valley, the other in Kachina Village. Their children and Grandchildren made wonderful memories with them. They got the opportunity to live in two gorgeous retirement communities. First was Freedom Plaza in Peoria, AZ. They were great ballroom dancers and enjoyed weekly dances there. The second was the Renaissance in Sun Lakes, AZ. The last residence put them close by to all the children. Audrey will always be remembered by all as a servant and constant volunteer where ever she lived. She and Dad made Jesus their Lord and Savior in 1980 and shared him with everyone they met. They read the bible faithfully everyday of her long life. She always knew how blessed by God she was and prayed constantly for all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and the future legacy of Audrey and Doug Cornell. We are all so broken hearted to have lost her so suddenly. We will miss her bright cheery spirit, her dark hair, with a flower matching every outfit and her constant encouraging unconditional love for each one of us. She had an exceptional long blessed life and how blessed we are to call her Audrey, Mother, and Nanny. Now she is in her eternal home with our Lord Jesus. We will see you again in Heaven…. Audrey, mom, and affectionately forever known as our “Nanny”.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Cornell family.
