Nita Cornell

Nita I. Cornell, 84, of Waukegan passed away on Sunday, January 25th, 2015, at home with her family. She was born on November 3, 1930, in Compton, Illinois to the late Thelma (Lutz) Smith. Nita married Francis Cornell on January 19, 1949, in Waukegan, Illinois where they made their home from 1960 until the time of their passing. She is survived by her three loving sons: Pat (Brenda) Cornell, Bill (Jill) Cornell, and Kevin Cornell; one brother, Stanley (Mary Kay) Smith; one brother-in-law, Donald Cornell; one cousin, Donna Dodd; eight grandchildren: Patricia (Michael Kerton) Cornell, Kelly (Jay Cervantes) Cornell, Michael (Emily) Cornell, Kerilyn (Brant) Newman, Megan Cornell, Christopher Cornell, Kathryn Cornell, and Kyle Cornell; five great-grandchildren: Katherine Cornell, William Cornell, Charlotte Cornell, RJ Cervantes and Jackson Cornell and many nieces and nephews, plus her close companion, Napoleon Cornell. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband of 63 years, Francis X. Cornell. Nita was an avid bowler; an accomplished seamstress; enjoyed crossword puzzles; prided in cooking from scratch; and was passionate about her gardening. Nita has been a member of AMVETS Auxiliary Post 35 since December, 1970, and during her 45 years in the organization spent numerous hours donating her time. This included, but was not limited to: engaging in veteran events at the VA/VAVS; crocheting items for AMVETS in the VA; assisting in projects for the Wounded Warriors; participating in various functions at the USO; and purchased, packed and shipped care packages around the world to various servicemen in need. Nita held every position in the AMVETS Auxiliary at the local, state, and national levels. Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Warren Funeral Home. Funeral services are at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation at the funeral home. Burial is Saturday, January 31, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Warren Cemetery & Mausoleum, Gurnee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors, USO, and AMVETS Auxiliary.