The family of Cynthia Cornelius sadly announces her passing at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home on December 29, 2017 surrounded by her loving children. Cynthia was born on May 19, 1930 to Jacob and Eleanor Becker (Schaan), the second of six children. She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church, MacNutt. She was raised on the family farm northeast of MacNutt and attended Clova School. One of her first jobs was working at Haberstock's General Store. On July 12, 1949 she was united in marriage to John Elmer Cornelius at Christ Lutheran Church in MacNutt. The couple started their married life in Langenburg where they owned and operated the Royal Hotel until 1953, at which time they sold the business and moved to farm near Roblin, MB. A short time later they returned to the MacNutt area and had a mixed farming operation. In 1963 Cynthia and John took on the John Deere dealership in MacNutt, along with the Allied Hardware and Texaco gas station (Cornelius Hardware and Implements). During those years they managed to take several vacations to different southern destinations as well as Europe. Cynthia was active in her church and community service groups, often in the capacity of treasurer. She also served on the MacNutt Housing Authority from 1989 - 2010. Cynthia's interests included crocheting, gardening, watching curling and her favourite ball team, The Blue Jays. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her grandchildren and friends - never missing a birthday or dance recital or any activities of the grandkids. One of her favourite pastimes was getting in her car and just going for a Sunday drive. Supporting local community bingos with her friends was another pastime. Cynthia went on several annual summer vacations with her sister Roz and always looked forward to those. When life became increasingly more difficult for her, she relocated to the Bentley Retirement Community in Yorkton for approximately three years. You would rarely find her in her room, as she usually was down in the coffee area interacting with the other residents. On November 8, 2013 she entered the Yorkton & District Nursing Home, Skinner Unit, where she resided until her passing. Her memory loss stole her words, but not her smile or her gentle encouraging nature. She was always so grateful for all the staff did for her, passing out many hugs and kisses. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Dwight (in infancy); her loving husband, John; and her daughter-in-law, Phyllis (Dale). She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Brian (Audrey),Errol (Terry), Carol (Andy Malinowski) and Dale as well as 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; also her siblings: Elmer (Jean) Becker, June Andrews, Rosalind Lund, Franklin (Judy) Becker, Donovan Becker (Susan) plus numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Pastor Andrew Cottrill of Zion Lutheran Church officiating. The organist, Laurel Kentel, led in the singing of the hymns, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", "Beautiful Saviour" and "Abide With Me". Scripture readings were given by Sheri Malinowski and Lori Malinowski. Scott Cornelius paid tribute in a violin solo, "Amazing Grace". The interment followed in the Garden of St. John at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Scott Cornelius, Jordan Cornelius, Avery Cornelius, Hillary Cornelius, Kelly Cornelius and Trevor Cornelius serving as the casket bearers. Memorial tributes in memory of Cynthia may be made to The Recreation Department of Skinner Unit - Yorkton & District Nursing Home as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.
