Darlene Tainter Cornwell, 77, Troy

Darlene Tainter Cornwell, passed away June 9, 2014.

Mom was born Oct. 23, 1936, to Larry and Marie Germain Tainter in New Post, Wis. She was the third of eight children. On Nov. 28, 1953, she married Jim Cornwell in Murry, Wis. They had two children, Jimmy and Donna. In 1964, the family moved to Montana, first to Libby, and then settled in Troy. They celebrated 60 years together in November 2013.

Mom worked for the Troy School District as a cook, serving lunches for 26 years before retiring in 2000. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday and the spread she prepared for the school and her family was looked forward to with great anticipation.

Mom loved to laugh, all things Betty Boop, dance and listen to Johnny Cash, and watch Lucille Ball. She adored her cats and dog. She treated them like they were her kids.

Mom struggled with health issues, including breast cancer, but she endured them with grace and courage and humor. She received excellent care at home from Lori, Michelle, Elizabeth, Pam, Cassie, Hope, and niece Mary Jo. In January, Mom moved into the Libby Care Center.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Larry Tainter and Albert Tainter; sisters Joanne Kagigebi and Doris Tainter; son Jimmy Cornwell, and grandson Stephan Aceves. She is survived by her husband, Jim, at the family home in Troy; daughter Donna Bush (Mike) of Tri-Cities, Wash.; granddaughter Christina Aceves of Brookings, Ore.; grandson Michael Aceves (Megan); and great-grandchildren McKenzie and Mondo, all of Richland, Wash.; brother Gary Tainter (Jan) and sister Connie Corbine (John) all of New Post, Wis.; sister Marilyn Marlenee of Hayward, Wis.; special nieces Mary Jo (Chuck) Williams of Noxon, Bonnie LeDoux and Pearl Gokee both of New Post, Wis.; and sister-in-law Evelyn Hope of Madison, Wis. She leaves behind many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She especially appreciated neighbors Pete and Dawna Stenros and family.

A celebration of Mom’s life will be held 11 a.m. June 14 at the Troy Church of God, 212 Kalispell Ave., Troy. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.