Gretchen Louise (Valentine) Cornnell

Gretchen Louise (Valentine) Cornnell

A Lover of Animals -

Gretchen Louise (Valentine) Cornnell, age 66, of Mechanicsburg passed away at Harmony at West Shore in Mechanicsburg with her loving husband on Friday, June 4, 2021.  Gretchen was born on Saturday, November 13, 1954, in Chambersburg to Phyllis J. (Bowers) Valentine and the late Edward O. Valentine.

Gretchen’s survivors include her husband of 32 years, George William Cornnell, Sr.; her children: Bridgette Jade Piper and significant other, Jason Burnham; George William Cornnell, Jr. and wife, Linda, of Mechanicsburg; Jennifer Wolfkill and husband, Patrick, of Dillsburg; her ten grandchildren: Amanda, Brandon, Brittany, Drew, Elena, Daniel, Mary Grace, Harrison, Camryn, and Ayslin;  her three great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Gavin, and Xander; her two sisters: Shirley Day and husband, Robert, of Shippensburg, Teena Russell and husband, Richard, of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Gretchen graduated from Shippensburg High School as part of the class of 1972.  She retired from UCP in Camp Hill, and was formerly employed by Episcopal Diocese in Harrisburg and Tressler Lutheran Social Services.  She was a long-time member of Monaghan Presbyterian Church in Dillsburg, Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania and a volunteer for Elizabethan Ministries International.  Gretchen loved animals and had many pets over the years.  She had a passion for crafts and crafted many quilts, hooked many rugs, reupholstered furniture, and loved to paint, in her younger years.  She helped to build her home; and helped to install the wiring and plumbing.  She was a wonderful cook and excellent baker, who has won prizes for her delicious baked goods.

Gretchen’s family will be celebrating her life privately.  Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at Harmony at West Shore who so lovingly cared for Gretchen during her illness.

Contributions in celebration of Gretchen’s life can be made to Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 the Monaghan Presbyterian Church, 1185 Gettysburg Pike, Dillsburg, PA 17019 or Grace United Church of Christ, 121 East Orange Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.

Gretchen’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Gretchen’s full obituary, view her portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.