The Life of ELAINE CLAIRE HANSEN CORNWELL
Elaine C. Cornwell, 87, passed away Sunday October 9, 2011 at her home in Ankeny, IA. Cremation will take place and no services are planned at this time.
Elaine was born December 21, 1923 on a farm in Audubon, Iowa to Palmer and Mabel Hansen. Much of her early life was spent there before going to work in Des Moines and meeting her husband Robert Cornwell. They married in 1949 and later had their son, Douglas.
Elaine will always be remembered for her unrivaled capacity to care for and her devotion to her family. She enjoyed her work for the VA, and was a tremendous asset to them. She was a dedicated older sister to her siblings, and they looked up to her as a wonderful example of selflessness. Her siblings loved to watch Elaine dance. She was married for 62 years to her husband Bob Cornwell; both he and her son, Doug, were the unparalleled loves of her life. Her three grandchildren, Meredith, Lauren, and Will Cornwell were a huge part of her life and held a very special place in her heart. She was so very proud of them. Elaine had a deep respect for education and was quietly influential in both her sisters'' and son''s success in school. She loved her winters spent in Juno Beach, spending time by the ocean. Much of her life was spent doing things for others and ensuring that everyone around her had a good time. She was an intensely private person, preferring others to take the spotlight. Elaine truly brought out the best in everyone around her and was happiest when others were able to shine. She was simply the type of person others wanted to be around.
Survivors include her son Douglas, her grandchildren Meredith, Lauren, and Will of Ankeny, IA, her sisters Linda Gancy of Birmingham, AL, Nita Koenen of Shell Beach, CA and Betty Krantz of Des Moines, IA, brother Palmer Dale Hansen of Saylorville, IA, along with many nieces and nephews.
Elaine was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Cornwell, her grandson Sam, her parents, sister Wynona Hansen Hill, and brothers Donald and Russell Hansen.
