Mary Martha Cornell

Originally from Suttons Bay, Michigan, her life was not simple, and neither was her love. She showed up in the ways she knew how. She carried the weight of her childhood, the demands of motherhood, the hopes she poured through her education, and the dreams she built for her family.

She enjoyed 63 years of marriage with her husband, Frank Cornell. These years were filled with family gatherings and shared traditions while raising their family in Byron Center, Michigan. In her remaining years in Florida, his devotion to her was unwavering; he stayed by her side with a strength and tenderness that spoke volumes.


What her family will remember most are the pieces of her that shone the brightest: the tremendous joy she felt being with her grandchildren, her instinct to protect those who needed a safe place, her longing for beauty, her humor, her stubbornness, her tenderness, and the way she gave more than she ever received. Her story was layered, complicated, and deeply human, and her family is grateful for the years they had with her.

She is survived by her husband Frank Cornell; children Kathleen (Craig) DeBruyn, Rob (Kathy) Cornell, Mike (Amy) Cornell; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister; three brothers; three sisters-in-law; and five brothers-in-law.

A visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home – Dorr Chapel (4330 18th St., Dorr, MI 49323), with a vigil service at 3:15 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, with visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the St. Sebastian Historic Church (9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315), followed by the Rite of Committal at the church cemetery. Luncheon will be at the Parish Hall.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for the love, support, and prayers received during this time. Mary’s family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookdorr.com in their online guestbook.