Helen C. (Youngkin) Cornish

Helen C. (Youngkin) Cornish was born February 23, 1925 in Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania to the late Grant and Rosa Crawford Younkin.

Helen had a passionate feeling for all animals, domesticated and wild, and passed that same empathy on to her children. Over the years she gave a warm, loving home to many homeless cats. Once, she had a sparrow that would appear at the kitchen window every morning, come in for a drink, spend time on her shoulder, and fly off until the next morning. She wrote a story about this that was published in the Pittsburgh Press. More recently, she made donations to Protectors of Animals in support of both cats and dogs.

While her family lived on a farm in Pennsylvania, she took care of the animals and large garden, shoveled coal into the furnace, baked bread, and made many goodies and wonderful meals. Her first job at 18 years old was at the rather new Social Security Agency in Washington D.C.  After moving to Connecticut when she was 40, she decided to learn to drive and get a job, the first in 20 years. She took driving lessons, got a car and then took classes to refresh her secretarial skills. After twenty years she retired from UConn as a secretary. 

She was an avid bowler and enjoyed the sights and experiences of the many cities she travelled to with her husband for bowling tournaments. Her daughters Kathryn and Donna loved taking her on many day, week-end and week-long trips. To see her appreciation and enjoyment of every place made for fond memories.

She was a strong woman, unassuming, loving, caring and kind to all. She asked nothing of anyone but was always willing to give. She wrote beautifully and poetically. She enjoyed the beauty of the many flowers she planted around her home. She was the best at being a Mother. Her family will miss her so very much.

Helen is survived by her daughter Kathryn R. and spouse David Ohlund of Hebron and son Robert L. Cornish, Jr. and spouse Kim of Pittston, PA, as well as three sisters and two brothers. She has four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great, great granddaughters.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Cornish Sr., daughters Sandra L. Pearce and Donna R. Cornish, and two sisters and six brothers.

Helen’s family will receive friends on November 13, 2018 at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. in Willimantic from 10:00am to 11:00am, followed by a funeral service. Burial will follow in Windham Center Cemetery.

In her memory and In lieu of flowers please donate to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118. 

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