Obituary: Barbara G. Cornell, 92, Of Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — (From Meriden Memorial Funeral Home): Barbara G. Cornell passed away, Friday, February 16, 2024 at Midstate Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born on March 26, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Arthur & Agnes Gaboury of Lincoln, R.I. Barbara was the loving wife of the late Ronald E. Cornell Sr. to whom she was married for 57 years. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Gaboury, her son John, and is survived by her sister Marcia Larsen and her brother Paul Gaboury.

In 1953 Barbara and Ron moved to their new home in Meriden, CT on Sagamore Rd. where they raised five children, Ronald E. Cornell Jr., Karen Stigliano, John A. Cornell, Christopher Cornell, and Paula Sicuranza. Barbara also had 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Barbara had a very successful career in real estate working as an agent for the Lynwood Agency for many years and then The Home Store. Even in retirement real estate was in her blood as she actively watched market trends. In their retirement years Barbara & Ron enjoyed Winters at their home in Key Largo, FL and spent many Summers at Camp Dennen in MA.

Barbara had a long retirement and was very active in a number of endeavors. She volunteered at the soup kitchen in Meriden, regularly swam at the YMCA in Wallingford, was President of the Widow & Widowers Club, and loved to play Bridge. She regularly attended the Senior Centers in both Wallingford and Meriden.

Calling hours and a memorial service will be held at the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home 450 Broad St. Meriden, Thursday February 22, 2024, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. At 12:30 P.M. a brief service will be held at the funeral home where family members will memorialize Barbara. At the request of the family, burial will be private.

Barbara will be interred with her late husband at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Gypsy Lane, Meriden. At the conclusion of the memorial service all are invited to celebrate Barbara's memory @ Violi's Restaurant 688 Westfield Rd. Meriden. As per Barbara's wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Meriden Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 1238, Meriden, CT 06450.