Eunice Cornell

Eunice Cornell was a woman rich in the things that count in life: a strong work ethic, a generous spirit and above all else, an unconditional love for her family and friends. Through her warmth and generosity, Eunice exemplified all the wonderful things a mother and grandmother should be. Eunice was born on June 8, 1922, to proud parents, Jacob and Caroline (Timmick) DeBree. She was the second oldest of their seven children. She was born and raised in Whitehall, Michigan, a city in southwest Whitehall Township on the mouth of the White River. The decade of the Roaring 20s was a time of economic prosperity in the United States and many people were spending money impulsively. The DeBree family, however, was very poor and didn't even have a car to get around in. The children learned at a young age to work hard and pitched in around the house with chores. When old enough, they found odd jobs outside the house to help support the family. Despite the economic hardships of the day, the DeBrees were a very close-knit family held fast with the things money couldn't buy. Eunice received her education in the Whitehall schools and went on to graduate from Whitehall High School. She then went to work at Continental Motors in Muskegon for three years. As a young person, Eunice enjoyed dancing and it was at a barn dance that she met the love of her life, Charles Cornell. The two soon became romantically involved, and when Charles was away serving in the Army, the sweethearts kept in constant contact until his safe return. On June 15, 1946, Eunice and Charles were married in Montague, Michigan. The happy couple spent the next 29 years together, raising their two children: Patricia and Steven, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. Eunice was a real dog lover so they family always had a couple dogs running around the house, and a few parakeets too. Sadly, Eunice lost her beloved Charles in 1975. Time together as a family was always important to Eunice, and they took many opportunities to go camping in Traverse City whenever possible. Eunice and Charles also enjoyed their monthly get togethers with four other couples to play cards. When it came to her leisure time, Eunice enjoyed doing some gardening, reading a good book or being crafty with knitting and ceramics. As a cook, she was very good in the kitchen, and made many delicious meals for her family, including her delectable desserts. And if she was ever making a casserole, she always made another one for a family or friend in need. One year, Eunice took a senior bus trip to Florida for about three weeks, and she had such a wonderful time, she wished she could do it again. Eunice's happiest moment always involved the time she spent with her family. She so enjoyed going to flea markets, garage sales and art fairs with her daughter. The holidays were very special for her too when she was surrounded by the love and smiles of her family. Always a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Eunice will be frequently remembered and missed beyond words by the family she so dearly loved. Mrs. Eunice E. Cornell died peacefully on Monday, April 9, 2007, at Brookhaven Care Facility. She was born in Whitehall, MI on June 8, 1922 to Jacob & Caroline (Timmick) DeBree and married Charles Cornell on June 15, 1946. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She is survived by her son, Steve Cornell of North Muskegon; daughter, Patricia (Rudy) Carlson of North Muskegon; 3 step-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Loraine DeBree of Whitehall, Dolores Dietz of North Muskegon; brother, Kenneth De Bree of Hesperia. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Cornell in 1975; 2 brothers, Captain John DeBree & Junior DeBree; sister, Marion Rose; daughter-in-law, Janice Cornell and brother-in-law, Jerry Dietz. Services for Eunice will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2007, 2:00 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert J. Conradt officiating. You may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorials in Eunice's name may be given to Michigan Heart Association or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Interment will take place at Laketon Township Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon