Obituary of Nancy Cornell

Nancy Cornell, quietly passed away at home, in the loving arms of her family on March 28, 2007. Nancy Cornell was born to Edward and Mary (Bagley) Cross in Rugby, North Dakota on May 3rd, 1934. She was the youngest of three children, her siblings being Easton and Marjorie (Jensen). The family moved west to Yakima, Washington around the time she was two. They remained in Yakima until WWII when they moved to the Milwaukie, Oregon area. When Nancy was in the 8th grade, she and her family moved to Eugene, Oregon. After graduating from University High and a year of college in Monmouth, Oregon, Nancy married Robert Park. They had two children, her oldest being Anna Marie. Sadly her second child, John, died shortly after birth. In 1964, Nancy married Eugene Roberts and in 1966 gave birth to twins, Eric Lee and Mary Katherine. When the twins were 5 weeks old the family moved to Federal Way, Washington. Nancy liked to call her family, a blended family - her children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren are just a part of whom she included as family. Anna Marie Easton is married to Keith MacLean. Anna Marie has two children, Aaron Huntley and Jenneen Trafton. Aaron has one son, Noah Stone, they share their life and home with Chrissy Bailey. Jenneen and her husband Carson have two girls, Rachel and Sarah. Keith’s two children, Aaron and Adrienne have been a welcome addition. Eric Roberts’ two children are Ashley and Ethan. Eric has also blended his family to include Ashley’s sister Shauntel. Mary Roberts’ and her two children, Dallas and Cheyanne Rose round out this full and blessed family. Nancy worked for Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for over 25 years. In 1995 Nancy retired. She stated, “It is time to retire when the 3 generations are working for the state.” She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and making gifts for her friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her fondest joys was the rediscovering of Oaks Park Amusement Center, in the Sellwood area of Portland, Oregon. The park was a place of fun and adventure for Nancy as a child. This rediscovering gave Nancy great delight. Mini-family summer reunions took place at Oaks Park which usually included: Marjorie and Carl, Easton and their families along with Nancy’s blended and extended family and friends. She loved the train ride, with all the kids both young and old. Nancy also loved seeing her great-grandson, Noah Stone roller-skating on the same wood plank floor that she had once skated on. Another great memory is camping on the Yakama Indian Reservation with her friend Bonnie Walker. Potato Hill will always have the best huckleberries. Nancy also enjoyed her trips after retirement with friends Sandy Richardson and Norma Jones. Her children wish to thank everyone who called and/or came by to see Nancy; especially during that “magical month” of March. The memories shared have become a wonderful gift that will be treasured forever. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Nancy’s name to Heifer International - www.heifer.org ; Heifer Project International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.