Obituary of Violet Rae Cornwell

Violet Rae Cornwell, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Hilltop Alpine Terrace in Wisconsin Rapids.

Vi was born on February 5, 1923 in Antigo, Wisconsin to Raymond and Violette Arlene (Stacey) Gilbertson.  As a young woman who grew up during the depression, Violet enjoyed reading and horseback riding.  Violet married Dailey J. Cornwell on November 23, 1942 and they remained married until his death in August, 2000.

Besides being a loving mother to four girls and a wife to Dailey, Vi was a successful businesswoman.  She initially worked as a clerk and then as manager of the Gift Department at Johnson Hills.  She then owned and operated her own business, The Gift Tree, in Wisconsin Rapids for over 30 years.  The Gift Tree, along with her family, comprised a large part of Vi’s life.

Vi was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association for several years and was a member of the local Chamber of Commerce.  Vi was also a longtime member of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Wisconsin Rapids.  Vi loved her pets and wildlife, visits with her daughter up north, and both college and professional football, especially the Green Bay Packers.  Later in life, she was able to enjoy more time with family and friends, feeding the birds and squirrels, visits to the National Eagle Center, and scenic drives in the country.

Vi is survived by her daughters: Patricia Pape, Kay Cornwell and Linda (Gary) Strub all of Wisconsin Rapids; four grandchildren: Lena, Santiago, Salah and Micky; three great-grandchildren: Elijah, Tahira, and NiaLena; her brother, William Stacey and his wife Linda from Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her mother Violette Stacey, father Raymond Gilbertson, husband Dailey Cornwell, daughter Marilyn Cornwell, and son-in-law Jack Pape.

Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation and life celebration from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.  Rev. Ken Hanson will officiate.  Relatives and friends are also invited to join the family for a light meal and time of fellowship at the funeral home immediately following the service on Tuesday.  Burial will be at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.

Vi’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff at Hilltop Alpine Terrace Assisted Living and Asera Hospice Care for their kind and compassionate care during these last weeks.  A special thanks to Kay for all the years she helped keep mom in her own home, and to Dan for his many visits.