
Obituary of Genevieve W. Cornelius
In Loving Memory of Genevieve (Welch) Cornelius
Our cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Genevieve W. Cornelius, passed peacefully from this world on January 26, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her children. She graced us with 85 years of love, faith, and joy.
Born on November 28, 1939, to Sally and Walt Welch, Pleasant Valley, NY, Genevieve — known to many as “Gen”— grew up in a close-knit family with her cherished siblings, Betty (Stefanik), Dort (Werbella), and Bob Welch. Her younger years in Waterville, New York, were filled with fond memories of roller skating, friendships, and performing as a majorette for Waterville Central School. She graduated in 1957, beginning the next chapter of her life when she married her sweetheart, John Cornelius, on August 3 of that same year.
Together, Gen and John built a beautiful life centered on faith and family, raising four children who brought her immeasurable pride and joy: Doug Cornelius of Deansboro; Susan (Sigsbee) of Waterville; Cindy (Woods) of Kennesaw, Georgia; and her youngest daughter and caregiver, Patti, of Clinton, New York. Gen's legacy of love lives on through her 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who filled her heart with boundless happiness.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John; her grandson, Cpl. John Sigsbee; and her sister, Betty Stefanik.
A woman of faith, Genevieve devoted herself to her church, The Deansboro United Church of Christ, where she found both strength and purpose. She was an accomplished seamstress throughout her life and gave generously of her time as a member of the Deansboro Fire Department Auxiliary and Past President of the Clinton VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Her unwavering commitment to her community reflected her kind and giving spirit.
Genevieve will be laid to rest in a private service at Saratoga National Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her loving husband and grandson. While we grieve her passing, our hearts are comforted knowing she now rests in eternal peace with her Savior.
We invite all who knew and loved Genevieve to join us in a Celebration of Life on Sunday, February 16th. Let us gather to share sweet memories, laughter, and find comfort in family and friends. Your presence would mean so much as we honor a remarkable lady.
Celebration of Life for Genevieve Cornelius
Where: FOUR ELEVEN TOWER, 411 Tower Street, Waterville NY 13480
When: Sunday, February 16th from 2 to 4 PM
Food and beverages will be served.
In lieu of flowers:
Memorial contributions may be made to the Corporal John P. Sigsbee Memorial Fund:
c/o The Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
http://www.foundationhoc.org/give/funds/?search=sigsbee.
Donation envelopes will also be available at the Celebration of Life venue.
In lieu of flowers:
Donations may be made to the Deansboro United Church of Christ
PO Box 276, Deansboro, NY 13328