Margaret S. Cornwell

Margaret Schoonmaker Cornwell, 74, of Newark Valley, passed suddenly on April 27, 2009.Born in Fabius, NY on Jan. 16, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Floyd B. and Clara(Eldridge) Schoonmaker and brother of the late Murray Schoonmaker. Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 56 years Robert L. Cornwell, her three sons, Douglas Cornwell, Ft. Pierce, FL, Donald (Judy) Cornwell, Fairport, NY and Dean (Phidelia) Cornwell, Newark NY, 8 grandchildren, Eric, Rachel and Ryan Cornwell of Fairport, NY, Sarah (Ken) Rivera, Samuel (Lexie) Cornwell and Daniel Cornwell of Royal Palm Beach, Fl, Andrew (Joana) Cornwell, US Army, stationed in South Korea and Emily Cornwell, Newark, NY and a great grandchild. Also surviving are her very special aunt, Ruth Powell of Altamonte Springs, FL, her brother Stuart (Mary Lou) Schoonmaker, Garner, NC , her former daughter-in-law, Leanne, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.Margaret was a graduate of Newark Valley High School, Class of 52. In her early years, she was employed at Tappan Gas Co. where she met and later married Bob. She owned and operated Valley Apparel, was employed by Valley Dry Cleaners and for many years assisted her husband in the operation of Cornwell Gas and Appliances. She also served as Newark Valley Village Clerk/Treasurer for 20 years. Margaret was a member of The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ where she participated in the choir and served as substitute organist. She was also a life member of Order of Eastern Star, ONYX Chapter #196 where she held several offices and served as Matron for two terms. She was Grand Musician for OES of NY State in 1977 and 1989 and was secretary of the Past Grand Musicians Assoc. Maggie was an accomplished musician at the organ and piano and played a wicked xylophone. She graciously shared her musical talents at many community functions. A funeral service and celebration of her life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday at the First Congregational Church, Newark Valley. Pastor David Heckman and Rev. James Willard will officiate. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery. Margarets family will receive friends on Friday from 4-7 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley where an Eastern Star service will be held at 6:45 PM. Donations in Margarets memory may be directed to The Easter Star Home in Oriskany, NY c/o Carol Ayers, 315 Gage Rd., Owego, NY 13827.