Mary Ellen Cornell

MADISON - Mary Cornell, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and community member, died peacefully on August 19, 2026, in her apartment in Madison, Wis., supported by the loving care of Agrace Hospice, Oakwood Village Health and Wellness, and Seasons of Life. She was 93.

Mary was born in Green Bay, Wis., on December 1, 1932, and spent her childhood there. She attended Nicolet School and Roosevelt School before graduating from Green Bay East High School. An accomplished student and writer, Mary received the Voice of America Award for Writing, sang in the school mixed chorus, was a member of the National Honor Society, and served as editor of her high school newspaper. She graduated among the top ten students of her class, with high honors, and received a scholarship to Ripon College.

Throughout her long and active life, Mary combined intellectual curiosity, civic commitment, and a deep devotion to family. She was co-owner, with her mother, of Vogels Real Estate and Insurance Company in Green Bay and later served as Vice President of Cornell Motors, Inc. Yet she always regarded raising her family as her proudest career accomplishment.

Mary was also deeply involved in the communities in which she lived. She served as a Girl Scout and Campfire Girl leader and was president of the Christian Mothers at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Plymouth, Wis. She volunteered for numerous civic and social causes and organizations throughout her life. In Plymouth, she was particularly proud to have helped establish the community's first Youth Center and its first outdoor swimming pool.

Mary believed in living fully. She played bridge and tennis for 50 years, travelled throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and was an avid reader. She remained eager to learn throughout her life and was always well informed and ready for a lively discussion of current political and religious issues. Her curiosity, independent spirit, and willingness to engage with the world remained with her throughout her life.

Mary was married to Richard Cornell for 49 years. Following their divorce, she spent some of her happiest years with her special friend, Frank Maisch. She also treasured the many friendships she formed over the years, leaving behind an extraordinary community of friends in Wisconsin and Arizona.

But Mary's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her six children: Cathy (Paul) of Madison, Wis.; Mike (Brenda) of Hartland, Wis.; Pete (Wonda) of Zumbrota, Minn.; Anne (Ron) of Three Lakes, Wis.; Sue (Doug) of Two Rivers, Wis.; and Jon (Nicole) of Savage, Minn. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, John, Moira, Sam, Michala, Kezra, Joshua, Brad, Elliot, Tim, Megan, Ashlee, Christina, Alyson, Brianna and Selah; and 14 great-grandchildren, Theodora, Margot Rose, Elio, Giovanni, Ethan, Mila, Olive, Gael, Estelle, Genevieve, Kennie, Cache, Jace and Isla; as well as her beloved brother, Dick Vogels (Judy) of Orlando, Fla.; and her many cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore Peter Vogels and Mary Lillian (Zeutzius) Vogels; and her beloved sister, Patricia Medtlie.

One of Mary's fondest family memories was the surprise visit her six children made when they all travelled to Arizona to celebrate her 75th birthday. It was a moment that captured what mattered most to her: family gathered together, sharing laughter, love, and time.

Mary's life was marked by curiosity, service, friendship, and-above all-love for her family. She will be remembered not only for the many things she accomplished, but for the energy, intelligence, warmth, and generosity with which she lived.

A Celebration of Life will be held at TREE OF LIFE CHAPEL AT OAKWOOD VILLAGE PRAIRIE RIDGE, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, Wis., at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a reception with refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mary's memory to Doctors Without Borders (see donation button below) or to a local food pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420