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Shirley Jean (Peterson) Cornelius, 93

Shirley Jean (Peterson) Cornelius, went to be with her Lord on June 6, 2018, while surrounded by the love of her family. Mom, we were blessed with 93 years of your presence. Now you’ve gone into the presence of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to be blessed by Him for eternity. How grateful we have been to have had you in our lives. Your loving-kindness and generosity throughout your life has enriched us all. We have been forever touched by your heart and this story we’ve shared together. You nourished our bodies at your table and our souls with your compassion.

Shirley was born to Walter T. Peterson and Ida M. (Erickson) Peterson on June 2, 1925, in Minneapolis, Minn. She was the youngest of three siblings. Raised in Minneapolis, she graduated from South High School in 1943, where she was in the marching band and played the clarinet. Shirley started attending Oliver Presbyterian Church at age 16, and there became a follower of Jesus. Her faith became a foundation for her life and a source of strength from that point forward. She needed it, because within a relatively short time Shirley would care for and lose both of her parents to cancer.

New adventures came in 1952 when she moved to Los Angeles, Calif., with three friends, Marion, Dorothy and Pat. The four would continue to stay lifelong friends for over 60 years. In California, she met her love, Denny F. Cornelius Jr., and the couple were married in January of 1955. A few years later, they had twin sons, Craig and Mark. The family moved to the then-rural Calabasas area in the early 1960s where they raised their sons.

Shirley stayed socially active as she raised her family. She was an involved member of Hollywood Presbyterian Church and regularly attended Bible study fellowship. Shirley was a 20-year member of the Twins and Triplets Mother’s Club of L.A., and she participated in the PTA of the Las Virgenes School District throughout her sons’ school years. She graciously supported her family in all of their outdoor activities and pursuits, which eventually led the family to relocate to North Idaho.

In 1978, Denny and Shirley moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where her social activities continued to flourish. She was involved with Welcomers Club, Beta Sigma Phi and the Forget Me Nots. She was an active member of His Place Church and also Christian Women’s Connection. Shirley loved being a hostess and was known for her baking, particularly a large variety of her signature Christmas cookies. She used to attribute her passion for baking to her full Scandinavian background. However, she hated fish! Shirley also enjoyed traveling, and with Denny, visited every state in the U.S. in addition to making excursions into Canada and Mexico. She remained active up until the day she died.

Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and a loyal friend. Her memory will be cherished forever. She was beloved by her family and she loved others, supporting and taking many into her home over the years.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband of 60 years, Denny; siblings, Walter Peterson of Wisconsin and Lorraine Baer of Michigan and her grandson, Paul. Shirley is survived by her children, Craig and Lisa Cornelius and Mark and Debi Cornelius; grandchildren, David and Lynne Atem, and Jesse Cornelius; and great-grandchildren Andrew, Levi and Mya. Also included are Scott Bailey and Lynne Bailey-Bausmith of California and their respective families.

Heartfelt goodbyes were stated in private by the family. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.