BROOKLYN - Mary Mae Cornwell, age 97, passed away on November 3, 2026, at Kelly House, Evansville. She was born on May 2, 1929, in Des Plaines, Ill., the daughter of John and Florence (Klein) Krueger.

Mary graduated from Whitewater High School in 1947. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Cornwell, who she met at a high school band tournament in Whitewater. Married on July 16, 1948, in Whitewater, they farmed and operated a Wisconsin cheese shop for over 20 years. Music was an important part of their lives. They instilled their love of music in their children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed embroidery, cross-stitching, and chair caning, but her greatest joy was caring for her family and pets. Mary treasured family gatherings and loved supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities, from band concerts to dance recitals and everything in between. She made sure they always knew how loved and supported they were.

Mary was also an active member of her church community, devoting much of her time to the women's group at Brooklyn Lutheran Church. Her faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others were an important part of her life.

Mary is survived by her children, Donald (Linda) Cornwell of Oregon, Noreen (Alan) Krueger of Brooklyn, Denis Cornwell of Oregon and Janeen (Scott) Barlass of Brooklyn; grandchildren, Matthew Cornwell (Karen), Jennifer (Mike) Wakasch, Katie (TJ) McDaniel, Megan (Josh) Tracy, Korey (Leah) Krueger, Riley (Danielle) Krueger, Alex (Megan Ryan) Cornwell, Jordan Cornwell, Haley (Justin) Sullivan and Hayden Barlass; and great-grandchildren, Abbey, Maddie, Rylen and Teslyn Tracy, Winter and Lisette Wokasch, Gavin and Kennedy McDaniel, Brinley, Sawyer, Roman and Rudy Krueger, Clara and Emmett Cornwell, DJ , Hannah and Westley Krueger, and Layla and Ellie Sullivan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Cornwell; parents; and sister, Dorothy McCamey.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, November 14, 2026. A funeral service will take place at 12 noon with Pastor Rebecca Ninke presiding. A luncheon will follow on Saturday at the funeral home.

A special thanks to the Kelly House staff for their dedicated, loving care and friendship, as well as Bristol Hospice for their gentle care.

Memorials may be made to Brooklyn Lutheran Church, 101 2nd St., Brooklyn, WI 53521, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or any animal charity/rescue of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515

Mary Mae Cornwell

May 02, 1929 - November 03, 2026

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