Esther Ann Cornell

Esther Ann Murphy Cornell of Altamont, New York passed away on March 10, 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was 78 years old. Esther was born on February 21, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA to William and Grace Murphy. She was a 1961 graduate of Bethlehem Central High School, where she was the Class Treasurer and a member of the Sigma Theta Epsilon sorority. She was an active member in the class reunion committee and worked tirelessly to ensure that the class kept in touch and that regular reunions were held. Esther was married to Richard (Dick) Cornell in 1965 and they spent 52 happy years together until Dick’s passing in 2017. Esther was a devoted mother to Julie (Mark) and the late Richard “Ricky” Cornell. She was an adoring grandmother to Jon Clark, Jr. (Cassandra), Jacob Clark (Courtney), Alissa Triplett and Michelle Cornell, and Great Grandmother to Travis and Skyla Triplett and Delaney Hazel Clark. Esther is survived by her brother Bill Murphy (Sue) and her sister Fran Delapenha (Don), brothers in law Anthony (Eileen) and Dan (Diane) Cornell. She had many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and sisters Linda and Joyce. Esther loved to garden and to search out treasures at garage and estate sales. She cultivated a beautiful home which was a regular gathering place for her family and her many friends. She was quick to joke and laugh, but she was also very empathetic and thoughtful, and she cared deeply for the people in her life. She was a great listener and was truly interested in the stories of others. Esther spent summer vacations almost every year of her life at her family camp on Paradox Lake. Her greatest joy was in the time spent there with family; playing cards and games, singing and storytelling around the camp fire, cooking, eating, swimming, sunning, and chatting with friends and neighbors on the beach. Her spirit will be felt there by those who loved her; in the call of the loons, the patter of the rain and the setting of the sun. A memorial service will be held for Esther at a later date this Spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis TN 38148 or the Paradox Lake Association, PO Box 45 Severance, NY 12872.