Janet Ann Cornella

Our beloved wife, mother, and friend, Janet Ann Cornella, PhD (née Cavalen) passed away peacefully with her husband and daughters by her side on January 17, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Watertown, Massachusetts to James and Gertrude Cavalen, Janet graduated from Watertown High School and matriculated at Boston College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. It was here at Boston College that she began a calling for educating others, a passion of hers that would remain for the rest of her life. She taught in the Watertown school system, served as the Assistant Principal at Wellington Christian School in Wellington, FL and at the time of her well-deserved retirement was Professor of Education at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL. Janet was the epitome of a life-long learner, and two of her proudest professional accomplishments were earning her Masters Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University in her 50s and her PhD in Education at the age of 62.

Outside of her career in Education, Janet had many interests and hobbies: She loved tennis in her younger years, reading, anything having to do with Boston College (her daughters knew the BC fight song before they turned 10), cooking Italian food and cookies, sewing and crafting, and the beaches in Humarock, MA and Wells, ME. She also loved spending time with her many beloved friends in the Boston area and in Palm Beach Gardens. A devout Catholic, Janet found lifelong solace in the Church and was a devoted parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

Janet is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Robert. Bostonians by birth, Janet and Bob escaped the chilly Northeast in the late 1970’s and spent most of their life together in South Florida. It was here in the sun and warmth that they built not only a loving family, but a life full of great friendships and lasting memories.

Janet is also survived by her loving daughters, Dr. Lauren Cornella and Jennifer Cornella Turano. Janet was the most incredible mother. She was the epitome of strength, patience, and compassion. Their greatest cheerleader, she championed their personal and professional ambitions and achievements. She showed up whenever they needed her - and was always present, no matter the distance. Janet welcomed her two sons-in-law, Dr. José Zeballos and Kenny Turano, with open arms and loved them dearly. A mom of girls, she took great joy in the fact that two incredible men joined the family.

One of Janet’s most cherished roles was that of Grandmother to four grandsons, Alexander, Louis and Rowan Turano, and Sebastian Zeballos. The four boys worshiped “Mimi” and could never get enough of her love, creativity, and generosity. Though she is no longer physically on this earth, the family takes great comfort in the fact that they will always see her in Alexander’s love of learning, Louis’ creative spirit, Sebastian’s sweet and gentle nature, and Rowan’s special green eyes, so like his grandmother’s.

Janet is also survived by her beloved sisters, Rosalie Cunio and Arlene Haskell, who were much more than just sisters. They were her best friends. She also loved Arlene's husband, Bill Haskell.

She is predeceased by her brother-in-law, Steve Cunio. In marrying Bob, Janet gained two brothers-in-law, Andrew Cornella and Ronald Cornella, and their wives, Judy Cornella and Kathi Cornella. She loved this family as if it were her own. She cherished her nieces and nephews and their children. She also leaves many great friends from all paths of her life.

Janet did not want a traditional funeral and instead a Memorial Mass celebrating her life will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens (details below). The Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:30 am and all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Janet’s memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL (https://www.stpatrickchurch.org/), one of Janet’s most beloved places. Please keep Janet - wife, mother, sister, and more - and our family in your prayers.

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

St. Patrick Catholic Church

13591 Prosperity Farms Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410