Shirley (James) Cornelio

TURNER -Shirley (James) Cornelio, 81, of Turner, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters. She was born on Aug. 28, 1943, in Livermore, the daughter of Richard and Arlene (Kennedy) James.

Shirley grew up and attended school in Jay. On Feb. 25, 1960, she married the love of her life, Keith Cornelio, at Jay Baptist Church. Together, they built a beautiful life and resided in Jay for 58 years, raising their five daughters. Keith passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that Shirley carried forward in her family.

In 2002, she obtained an Associate degree in Accounting from Husson College. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Shirley spent many years working at the University of Maine at Farmington as Dining Services Assistant Manager, at G.H. Bass in Wilton as a Cost Accountant, and at LifeMade (Forster’s) in Dryden as Warehouse Manager. She retired in June 2020, having made a lasting impact in every role she held.

Shirley had a passion for music, and she found great joy in singing with her church choir and a few years with the Delta Heart choir. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whether attending their games and concerts or simply sharing moments together. She also loved jigsaw and sudoku puzzles, trips to the ocean, camping at Mt. Blue State Park, Hallmark movies, and long weekends away with her daughters. A woman of strong faith, she was a devoted member of Wayside Bible Baptist Church.

Shirley’s love, kindness, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed but never forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to faith, family, strength, and a heart full of music.

Shirley is survived by her five daughters: Randi Cornelio of Turner, Deana (Ken) Albert of Lewiston, Barbara (Doug) Jackson of Winthrop, Ann (Ken) Towle of Norlina, NC, and Teresa (Bill) Legere of Auburn; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepfather Leon (Doris) Ross of Phillips, her siblings: Cecelia Greenleaf of Brunswick, Ruaine (Maria) James of Industry, Dorothy Chandler of Middleburg, PA, Barbara (Jerry) Allanach of Naperville, IL, Terry (Liane) James of Lecanto, FL, and Brian (Lesa) James of Strong; her brother-in-law, Bruce (Paula) Cornelio of Brockton, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Keith; her parents; an infant daughter, and her granddaughters, Grace Legere and Hailee Jackson.

The family wishes to thank the Andwell Hospice team, especially Cindy B, for their excellent care in her last weeks.

A service to honor and celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 1st at Wayside Bible Baptist Church, 1724 Federal Rd, Livermore, ME. Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Following the service, all are welcome to a comfort reception at the church hosted by the Hospitality Committee.

Wiles Remembrance Center – Farmington is honored to be caring for the family of Shirley A. Cornelio where you are invited to her Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com to leave words of comfort, sympathies or reflections.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Andwell Health Partners, 15 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240 or Wayside Bible Baptist Church – Attn: Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child, PO Box 479, Livermore, ME 04253