Remembering Supt. Who 'Paved The Path' For Stratford Schools

STRATFORD, CT — The town of Stratford is mourning the death of former superintendent Irene Lee Cornish, who died May 31 after a long illness. She also served as superintendent of schools in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and was a trial attorney.

During Cornish’s time as superintendent in Stratford, a number of Board of Education chairmen served alongside her. Among those currently serving in town government are Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, Economic and Community Development Director Mary Dean and Assistant Human Resources Director Susan Barksdale.

“Irene was an extraordinary woman. We were so fortunate she chose to work and live in Stratford. Her investment in us paved the path for many of the programs we have today. She had a vision for the Stratford Public Schools, built consensus and always worked for the best interest of children and families,” Hoydick said in a town news release. “Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time.”

Cornish grew up in the Rockville section of Vernon, and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in French, Spanish and secondary education, according to her obituary. She received her master's degree in French from Central Connecticut State University and her administrator's certification for secondary education from the University of Connecticut in 1978. After acquiring her law degree in 1987 from UConn, she was a partner at the firm of Marder, Kallett, and Cornish, where she practiced for seven years. In 1994, she returned to her first love, education.

“Irene Cornish made significant strides to improve the education of the Town of Stratford students during her tenure as superintendent,” Dean said in the news release. “She was an intelligent and caring person who will be greatly missed.”

In addition to her career as a school administrator and attorney, Cornish loved fashion, art, literature, traveling and exploring different cultures, her obituary said. She especially loved Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which she visited often with her daughter and sister. She was a role model for youth and educators, and helped families in need.

“Irene was an amazing woman of great character, intelligence, humor and poise," Barksdale said in the news release. "She had a personal, caring commitment to the education of Stratford’s children and her leadership in that endeavor was strong. Irene was an eloquent public speaker and her ability to command the respect of all who knew her was inspiring. I was so fortunate to have worked with her and was truly honored to call her my friend.”

Cornish's husband, Dr. James P. Cornish; her mother, Hope Wright Lee; her father, Raymond Lee; and her brother, Kenneth Lee, preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Jodi P. Cornish; her sister, Veronica J. Lee; her brothers, Cloyd and Ronald Lee; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Cornish was laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony June 4 in Ellington.