Barbara Cornwright

Barbara Cornwright
January 26, 1932-April 9, 2023

“if nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.”

The lives of family and friends of Barbara Cornwright changed on Easter Sunday with her peaceful death. When you see a butterfly, think of Bobbie……her beautiful voice, her hearty laugh, her warm smile, her kind and sensible thoughts and the many “people qualities” she possessed. She touched many lives that benefited from her example. While she has left us in the physical sense, her caring and kindness will live on. Because of her love, we will never be without her. Love does not pass away. At this sad time, she would agree with the quote “One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you cannot change.”

Bobbie was born in Chicago, Illinois, the third child of Josephine Jancova Gibson and Robert Gibson. The family moved to Elizabethtown when Bobbie was nine months old. Her parents, her brother, Robert, and sister, Marion predeceased her.

Bobbie graduated from the Elizabethtown-Lewis central school in June, 1950. On September 16, 1950 she was united in marriage to Henry Cornwright. They built their home in Lewis and raised their two children, Billy and Terri Jo. They established Cornwright lumber company where they worked together until retirement. Their lives were the example of what hard work, determination and teamwork can do and the happiness it can bring.

Bobbie lost the love of her life, Henry, on June 4, 2007.
she often spoke of the wonderful life they shared. Nothing could replace the memorable times in their antique cars, snowmobiles, four wheelers and campers. (remember “tiny bubbles”? ) their travels led them to many people and places both near and far, always enjoying the people in the “caravan” and the people they met when setting up their home away from home

Their home was the site of many friendly gatherings and the source of many fond memories. It is hard to replace the sound of Bobbie accompanying musical “artists” with bones (or spoons) in hand. Both Henry and Bobbie were accomplished gardeners who produced an abundance of high-quality vegetables and beautiful flowers.

Bobbie lived near or with her daughter in Saratoga and Florida since 2006. Her retirement years found her savoring life with steadfast determination. Her strong faith in god helped her with the challenges of growing older.

Bobbie and Henry both said “it was a wonderful ride.”
Enjoying the family ride are survivors: Bill and Betsy Cornwright, Tina, DJ and McKinley Belzile, Jocelyn, Troy and Beau LaBounty, Kathryn, Richie, Kaine and Rowan Stockwell; Todd, Laurie and Brianna Cornwright, Tyson, Lindsay, Tripp and Piper Fernandez and Cole Fernandez; Terri and Tim Brock, Mark Henry and Amanda Morris, Barbara Morris, Courtney and Elijah Tindall-Diehl.

Bobbie earned respect and love through the unconditional love and respect she gave.
The warm bonds of friendship and respect of many will always survive.

A celebration of this wonderful life will be held in the summer.