Christine L. Cornell

Christine Louise Cornell, age 74, passed away in her Appleton home on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. She was born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, on November 20, 1948, to loving parents Robert and Mary (Meacham) Cornell and grew up making cherished family memories with her three siblings in the Lakes Area.

Christine graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1966 and went on to earn her BSN from Saint Olaf College where she was a member of the choir. She later earned her MSN from the University of Minnesota. After the birth of her beloved children Eric and Cara, Christine moved to Wisconsin in 1974 where she worked as a pediatric nurse for Appleton Memorial Hospital. She then found her true calling as a school nurse in the Appleton Area School District, where she spent 35 years and touched the lives of many students, parents, and staff with her passion for wellness. 

In addition to school nursing, Christine had a strong love for the PEO sisterhood, having been a member since 1967, serving in every capacity, most recently as the President of her Chapter. She was a friend, a role model, and an inspiration to each of her PEO sisters.

Not surprisingly, Christine assumed another caretaking role volunteering for ThedaCare hospice for over 20 years, retiring only a few years ago. While volunteering, she supported many hospice patients and their family members, always going beyond what was expected and asked of her. She was an integral part of the hospice program, assisting with volunteer training and working endlessly on the Hospice Hopes and Dreams program. She was a very deserving recipient of the 2013 Post Crescent Celebrating Health Care Volunteer Of The Year award for her dedication to improving the health and well-being. 

Christine was very involved member of Memorial Presbyterian Church serving on several committees, teaching Sunday school, and a regular greeter with Eric. Her dedication to advocacy was also well known in the community while she volunteered for The ARC, now known as SOAR Fox Cities. Christine also volunteered at LEAVEN Fox Cities on a weekly basis.

Christine was very proud of Eric and Cara. She was the den mother for Eric’s Cub Scout Pack, Cara’s troop leader for Brownies, supported both of them in their sporting and musical events, and encouraged them in education and career pursuits. The family also enjoyed hosting an ABC student and honorary family member, Phuong Huynh, while Eric and Cara were in high school. Christine truly enjoyed bringing treats to Eric’s coworkers at Pick 'n' Save and visiting Cara’s students while she worked in Kimberly and Menasha School Districts. 

Christine loved to travel with her family. Many family memories were made on camping trips across the United States, annual trips to Door County, and most recently going on cruises with her children. She also shared lots of laughs on trips with her sisters, Cathalee and Carolyn, and her mom Mary.

Family meant the world to Christine. Over the last several years, Christine enjoyed spending time with the family of her son-in-law, Steve. She truly enjoyed family functions with his 5 children and grandchildren.  

Whether as a mother, friend, coworker, or patient, anyone who knew Christine remembers her as a generous caregiver, providing and caring for others without a second thought. Many lives were blessed by her quiet and genuine kindness.

Christine is survived by her children Eric Edwards, Cara (Steve) Lenz, two sisters Carolyn (Dave) Butterworth, Cathalee Nielsen, sister-in-law Dee Cornell, as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bobby Cornell, brother-in-law Bob Nielsen, and niece Cassandra Nielsen.

A funeral service will be held for Christine on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 11:00am at Memorial Presbyterian Church located at 803 E. College Avenue in Appleton, with Rev. Dr. Michael Goodwin officiating. Family will receive visitors from 9:39am until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to ThedaCare Hospice Hopes and Dreams Program or LEAVEN Fox Cities.