Kendra Gail Cornell

Kendra Gail Cornell, 65, of Gilboa, NY passed away peacefully with her daughter, Lacey, at her side on Monday evening, May 30, 2022, at Albany Medical Center.

Kendra was born January 17, 1957, the daughter of Alton and Mary Ellen (Haner) Scutt in Stamford, NY. She went to Gilboa-Conesville Central School.

She married Donald W. Cornell on April 16th, back in the good ole days, and they were together for almost 50 years.

She graduated from the Albany-Schenectady Schoharie adult PN program in 1985, and spoke fondly of her time in nursing school. Prior to working in Cobleskill Hospital as an LPN, Kendra worked at the Schoharie ARC as a workshop supervisor. She also worked at Windham Mountain for a couple of years with close friend, Laurie Mattice.

Kendra had a passion and talent for sewing. She made beautiful machine and hand appliquéd quilts for family and friends. She also enjoyed crafting, and made authentic Halloween costumes for her kids. More often than not, they were first prize winners in contests. Kendra did it all, from hemming pants, to making sock monkeys, to constructing epic card boxes for events. 

Kendra, AKA "TMT", was the glue of the family, the best cook ever, and damn could she throw a party. She was an amazing wife, Mom and friend who balanced it all and kept everyone in line. When it came to parties, she would say "if you left hungry, it was your own fault" and there were always leftovers to be taken home. She had several homemade recipes of favorite foods that were always expected at events. A few that come to mind are her mac and pasta salads, mini cheesecakes and spinach dip. Kendra never did reveal what was in the mac and cheese though...

She loved watching "pet petters" as she called it, (Pet Connection) and loved her fur kitties and grandkitties. Although she loved dogs, Kendra always said "we are cat people" and felt strongly about "adopt don't shop". She was kind and caring to animals and people alike, and was co-founder of the Lioness Club with good friend, Rosemarie Dawson. 

Kendra had a great sense of humor and quick wit and always had a joke ready. She was always cooking up "Shenan-agains" for any parties she attended. She was definitely Sofa-king clever about it! One never knew what she had up her sleeve, but beware her black heart, just ask her sister, Sharen Mattoon. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald W. Cornell of Conesville; children, Zane G. Cornell (Dawn Kuzma) and Travis D. Cornell (Aurora Zinck) of Conesville, Lacey A. Cornell of Rensselaer, step-daughters Patricia Henderson and Evelyn Potsdam of Memphis, TN; brothers, Lawrence "Buz" and Randall Scutt; grandchildren, Morgan (Scott), Marshall (Jessica), and Haley Cornell, Alaina (Kyle) Proudman, Zane Michael, Jacob G. and Dalton Bear Cornell, Layla Zinck; great grandchildren Hunter Van, Ava Noel and Saryn Cornell, Riley, Gunner and Waylon Proudman; several nieces and nephews; many life-long friends, as well as her beloved cats Hugo and Juno.

Kendra was predeceased by her parents, Mary Ellen and Alton Scutt; sister, Marjorie Stanton; stepson, Donnie Cornell; stepdaughter, Kim Cornell; and close friends Barrel, Big Don, Joker, and Fingers.

All are invited to visit with Kendra's family on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River St. Middleburgh. A memorial service will follow, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Conesville Fire House, 1292 State Route 990V Gilboa. 

In honor of Kendra's love for animals and firm belief of "adopt don't shop", her family respectfully requests memorials be sent to Steve Caporizzo's Pet Connection 341 Northern Boulevard, Albany, NY 12204.

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