Betty Cornell was born on December 7, 1929 in Shields, North Dakota to Leta F. (McCoy) and Raymond A. Gilbertson. After moving to Wisconsin in 1934, Betty graduated in 1951 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary & Upper Elementary Education. She taught in Manitowoc and Madison, WI.

Betty was married to Marshall P. Cornell of Sheboygan, WI in 1957. Together with their children, they lived in Boston, MA; Madison, WI; and Red Bank, NJ; before moving to Naperville, IL. Naperville ultimately became their home for 43 years. Betty continued with her teaching in the Naperville area both in districts 203 & 204, while earning a Master of Education, eventually retiring after 35 total years. She spent her retirement years reading to children, volunteering, traveling, gardening, and being involved in the Church and community—forever the  educator. In 2010, Betty and Marsh moved to Fort Collins, CO.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Marshall, and is survived by her proud children:  Jon M. Cornell, Cathy J. Lemke (William) and Richard A. Cornell; and admiring grandsons: William M. Lemke and Jon M. Cornell II.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Ln, Naperville, IL 60540. Condolences may be made at Allnutt.com.