Theresa A. "Mama" Cornelius

THERESA A. "MAMA" CORNELIUS, 68, died at home on March 21, 2015. Born August 25, 1946, married to Nels Cornelius on April 9, 1969. She was a sister, daughter, wife, mother, confidant, dreamer, writer, trouble-maker, and cowgirl who will be dearly missed. She is predeceased by her parents Donald and Margaret Dunn and her father-in-law Elmer Cornelius. Theresa is survived by her loving husband, Nels Cornelius, and her children Gene (Michele) Cornelius, Wendy (Scott) Cornelius-Lawyer, Emily Cornelius, Logan Cornelius (partner Courtney Zajicek), Gideon (Katie) Cornelius, Danny Shipman and Eddie Shipman. She is also survived by her beloved sister Robin Dunn (Lydia Drake) and brother Stuart Logan Dunn and her cherished in-laws Elmer Jr. (Linda) Cornelius, Richard (Debbie) Cornelius, Mary Kay (Gary) Cornelius-Pauley, Bunny Cornelius (beloved friend Rene Zakhour), Linda Cornelius Vaughn, Pete (Colleen) Cornelius, and her dear mother-in-law, Mary Leona Cornelius. Theresa is remembered by her grandchildren Diora, Jules, Brynn, Serre and innumerable adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Her community includes her menagerie of pets and rescued animals. They miss her too. Known to family and community as Mama, her arms were always open for kids and critters. Her home was a place of joy and a playground for both people and pets. Mama adored all stories and family history. She was a lover of camping, off-road adventures, reading, writing, and music. She leaves us surrounded by the books, furniture, pictures, videos, and letters with which she tracked our lives. Theresa was known to find humor and grace in the mundane tasks. We celebrate her each day as we strive to follow her example of living with laughter, compassion, and true grit. Mama taught endurance and independence. She had an instinct for goodness and was true to her values. They were always expressed with kindness, love, and strength. Since meeting 49 years ago, Theresa and Nels shared their lives in the comfort of shared silence and the raucous joy of their love. Mama loved her husband Nels completely. Their story is of the movies, though she would insist on her own soundtrack. Her memory lingers over the beaches, mountains, and deserts of California where she often rode her horse, rescued animals, saw a bear, or had some hilarious adventure which probably got her into trouble. At her request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Theresa's name to Noah's B'ark Pet Rescue (http://www.noahspets.org/) or Yosemite Conservancy (www.yosemiteconservancy.org). The family is grateful to Maggie, Tristan, Jon, and Heartland Hospice for their support and care. May we always take the long way home.