Obituary of Bonnie J. Cornwell

Bonnie passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 24, 2021, in her home in Delmar, NY with her loving family by her side.

Born September 6, 1945 in Binghamton, NY, she was the daughter of the late Virgil and Donna Dewing Layton.  She is survived by her children, Jonathan Cornwell and Cynthia Demarest (John), and grandson, Justus Demarest; her sister, Donna Evans (Kenneth), and brother, Douglas Layton (Mae), as well as many nieces and nephews: Lisa Chase McFarland (Ernest) and Zachary; Erik Chase (Jim);  Jeannie Giordano (Jeff), Alessio and Sofia; Daniel Layton; Linda Wainwright (Patrick) and Piper. 

Bonnie raised her two children on her own while also working her way through college, becoming a Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Director of University Health Services for 30 years at SUNY Binghamton.  Over the years she bought and lovingly cared for two homes, one in Binghamton and one in Chenango Bridge, and ultimately, moved to Delmar to spend more time with her family.  She had many lifelong friends, with whom she loved to laugh and talk and visit.  Bonnie was a deeply devoted mother, wonderful cook and beautiful home maker, teaching values of empathy, integrity, hard work and an open heart.  She loved classical music, classic movies, traveling, and her garden.  She never lacked for a project to do around the house and was continuously creating beautiful surroundings for herself and those she loved.  She embraced challenges and strived each day to finish the many tasks on her list.  Bonnie enjoyed the daily crossword and visits with caring friends until the very last.  She will forever be remembered for her courage, strength in adversity, her sacrifices for her children and her tremendous love and care of others.  Her humor, enthusiasm, fun-loving and adventurous spirit were gifts that changed us, making us all more for knowing and loving her.

She measured her riches in the love of friends and family.

A special thank you to Dr. Nicole Monserrate and Patricia Coury-Doniger, Family Nurse Practitioner, for their personal care and kindness.  

A funeral service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 on Thursday, July 1, 2021.  

Visitation at 1:00 p.m.  Service at 2:00 p.m.