Jean Young Cornett passed away peacefully on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, at the age of 101. Jean was born December 7, 1922, on the family farm in the Town of Maine, NY, the daughter of Ralph Young and Maude (Ketchum) Young. Jean graduated from Union Endicott High School and went to work at Endicott Johnson Corporation where she excelled as an executive secretary. On July 14, 1944, Jean married Leo Conley Cornett, who she had known since childhood. They were married for 71 years, until Leo’s passing in 2015. Jean was a hardworking homemaker who raised three children and was a faithful and tireless caregiver for Leo during the 10 years he battled Alzheimer’s. Her care allowed him to stay in the home in Union Center they designed and shared for 59 years. Jean was blessed to keep her sharp mind and memory, and with the help of family and friends, live in her own home until the end.
Jean was a gracious, thankful, thoughtful, kind, smart, strong, and supportive woman and was known for her great sense of humor and cheerful smile. Jean put others first and took the time to make people feel special, always remembering birthdays and sending cards to people. She was so happy when she could pick out just the right card for somebody. At least some of Jean’s internal strength surely came from surviving and overcoming a severe injury, when she was struck by a car, as a 14-year-old girl. Doctors told her she would be in a wheelchair before she was 40, but she had other ideas and was still walking at 101. One of her favorite sayings she used in dealing with the losses of so many loved ones through her long life was, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”. Jean’s faith was very important to her, attending Union Center United Methodist Church all her life, and was active for many years in women’s groups in the church.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Nancy Anne Cornett, son, Scott C. Cornett, granddaughters, Sara (Brian) Craft, Allison Cornett (Michael Vanden Berg), and Rachel (Eric) Hollenbeck, grandson, Sean Cornett, great grandsons, James Cornett, Logan King, Ethan Humble and Nathan Hollenbeck, great granddaughters, Jessica Cornett, Jasmine Cornett, and five great, great grandchildren. She leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, Leo, son, Dean Leo Cornett, daughter-in-law, Leigh Cornett, and three sisters, Margaret Coles, Mildred Nelson, and Ruth Wheeler, and their husbands.
Jean’s family wishes to thank all her family, neighbors and many special friends who visited her, took her for appointments and kept in touch on the phone and through email in the last few years. After the passing of her son, Dean, these people were the reason she was able to remain in her home and happy to be alive. In particular, Mom wanted us to thank Linda LaBrake, Rachel Hollenbeck, Diane Coe, Becky Halstead, Carol Barclay, Nancy Wank and Jan Avery, for always being there for her.
Jean’s family will greet friends and family on Friday February 2nd, 2024, from 5-7 PM at Allen Memorial Home, 511 East Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Noon on Saturday February 10th, 2024, at the Union Center Methodist Church, 128 Maple Drive, Endicott, NY 13760. Jean’s nephew, Pastor David Coles, will lead the Celebration of Life.
Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of one’s choice.