Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. She was Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a symbol of stability in turbulent times. Her influence was felt around the world, and flags were flown at half-staff even in Middleton.

This event leads us to remember another woman, whose impact is still felt in our town through her efforts to preserve the history of Middleton. That woman, who also lived a long and full life, is Jennie Cornell. We thought it would be appropriate to reprint a portion of her obituary as we honor her memory and her influence in our area.

“Jennie M. Cornell, 82, of Middleton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Saturday, April 20, 1991, at the Caldwell hospital. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Middleton Cemetery, with Mr. Lee Moberly of Middleton officiating, under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Mrs. Cornell was born May 15, 1908, in the Payette Valley, a daughter of Edna and Fred Stolzenburg. She moved with her family to Middleton in 1916, where she was reared and educated. She married Vance Cornell July 28, 1928, in Emmett, and they resided in Middleton until the time of her death. Mrs. Cornell had been a researcher of Middleton and Canyon County history for many years. Vance and Jennie were charter members of the first board of Canyon County Historical Society, and she was a member of the Oral History Committee at the Caldwell Library. Mrs. Cornell was a dispatcher of the Middleton Rural Fire Department for many years and made the first big maps for the district and for the Surveying and Rating Bureau of Boise. Her many hobbies included genealogy, entomology, photography, sea shells, music and gardening.

She is survived by her husband Vance of Middleton; her children, Joyce, Blaine, Roger, Linda, Darrell, Glen, and Chris; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret and Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara and Leah.”

(Obituary originally printed April, 23, 1991, Idaho Press Tribune.)