The family of Jeannine Elizabeth Cornell sadly announces her peaceful passing at Rainycrest in Fort Frances, Ontario on January 2, 2026. Jeannine was born in Kipling Saskatchewan to Milton and Martha Swanson on January 26, 1933. Milton worked for the CNR and when Jeannine was a toddler the family moved to Fort Frances. The children were all encouraged to learn musical skills. Jeannine loved singing and learned piano. Singing was a core part of who she was until late in life.
Jeannine finished high school and went to Normal school to become a teacher. The youngest students were always her favourites and she taught kindergarten for many years, first in Fort Frances, then Emo and lastly at Burriss. Proudly, she completed her teaching degree at Lakehead University in 1976. Jeannine loved bumping into her former students. It never failed to amaze her family how many would stop and say hello.
Jeannine’s creative side was always evident in her cooking and entertaining, sewing, singing, crafting and decorating.
In 1954 she married the love of her life, Gordon Cornell. She moved to his family farm near La Vallee in 1955 when the promise of running water was fulfilled. Here they raised three children, Deb, Kim and Doug. Farming was never Mom’s forte, but she loved being the hostess, and much fun was had over the years hosting visiting family from all over Canada to as far away as the UK and Australia.
Mom was principled but never pushy. She set a worthy example of how to be a good human. She was steadfast, feisty and loving all in good measure.
In retirement Jeannine and Gordon traveled to some warm places in winter but they were most interested in visiting places of their ancestors and reconnecting with extended family. Jeannine was always proudly Swedish.
Jeannine will be missed by her husband of over 71 years, Gordon; her children, daughter Deborah (Bill Darby), sons Kim (Pat Clysdale-Cornell) and Douglas (Janet); grandchildren Laura (Jamie Mucha) and Shannon (Guin Won) Darby, Rebecca (Kelsey Desnoyers) and Garnet (Michelle) Cornell, and Jaydon (Caitlin) and Drew (Tomi Postma) Cornell; her numerous nieces and nephews; great-grandchildren Charlotte and Aiden Cornell, Remy Desnoyers-Cornell and Fletcher and Bodie Cornell; and her sister Audette Clunas (Don Clunas); sister in-law Dorothy Weir; and brother in-law Jim Cornell (Pat).
Jeannine joins her parents; in-laws Garnet and Isla Cornell; sisters Gloria Swanson, Elaine McMain and brother Lorne; brothers in-law Dave McMain and Tony Weir; and sister in-law Agnes Swanson.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Rainycrest for the wonderful care-giving they provided our Mother. Thoughtful assistance was always only a moment away.
Jeannine always had a sparkle in her eye, a wink to share, a song on the tip of her tongue, time for a game of cards and a heart of gold. She left a lasting mark on her family, friends and community. She will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life is forthcoming and will be held in a warmer month.
