Shirley Mae Cornell

Shirley M. Cornell age 82, passed away peacefully Tuesday May 17th, 2022, surrounded by family at her daughter Suzanne’s home in Shelby.

Born August 3rd, 1939, in Shelby, Ohio to Ambrose and Dolly (Ward) Spangler, the youngest of nine siblings. Shirley had been a life-long Shelby resident and was a member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. A 1957 graduate of Shelby High School. She graduated from North Central State College with her LPN degree and had a career with Caring for You. Shirley gave much love and attention to her patients in home health care.

Shirley she was a wonderful homemaker for her four children. She loved to camp at Bay Point and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park with family and friends. Her hobbies included: listening to music, cards, bowling, fishing, collecting recipes, and being an avid reader. Shirley enjoyed hosting family “Prayer Meetings” and get togethers during the holidays for Christmas Ornament making parties. During the holidays there was always an available chair and plenty of food to share with loved ones. She was blessed with many close friends who loved her. Shirley was known as the second mom to many of her children’s friends. Shirley was always cooking up something wonderful and the aroma of delicious food filled her home. Typically, she had a pot of soup on the stovetop ready for anybody that came to visit. Not only was she a loving mother but a giving Grandmother as well! Her grandkids have special memories of her beautiful home decorated for every holiday. Nights at Grandma’s house were spent bunked down in front of the fireplace watching a movie or singing a silly tune. From our family- we are forever grateful.

She is survived by three daughters Annette (Michael) Gerhart of Mansfield, Suzanne (Bryan) Peiffer of Shelby, Brigette Harrison of Shelby, and one son Grant (Lori Craig) Cornell of Huron; grandchildren, Jacob (Crystal Channing) Cornell, Dustin (Tara) Gerhart, Matthew Cornell, Hannah Stratton, Eric Gerhart, and Camron Cornell, one great grandchild Sierra (Sammy) Worcester and three great-great grandchildren Scarlett, Scotlynn, and Soren Worcester; sisters Mary Rose Will of Shelby and Elinor Kelly of Crestline; sister-in-law Joann Spangler of Shelby; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers Dean, Harold, and Richard “Dick” Spangler; three sisters Donna Spangler, Doris Pfahler, and Joyce Russell; one son-in-law John Harrison; and special friend Timothy Pancake; multiple brother and sisters-in-law and many loved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A special Thank You to Hospice of North Central Ohio; with an extra special thank you to Shirley’s RN, Sheila. 

Private family funeral services will be observed. Pastor James Robinson will officiate with interment at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church Cemetery. 

The Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Akron Children’s Hospital https://giving.akronchildrens.org

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