Iris Myrna Cornell's Obituary
Iris Cornell of Miami Beach, FL, formerly of Livingston Manor, NY
The world lost a unique, beautiful and vivacious woman today. On March 4, 2016, Iris Myrna Jacobs Cornell passed from our sight, but never from our hearts. She was born June 2, 1935 in Livingston Manor, NY, as the second child of parents Hyman and Sophie Jacobs. She gathered friends of all ages, from all walks of life and kept them for a lifetime. Her many friends are united in saying she was not only kind but charismatic. When she walked into a room, she owned it. Iris was glamorous and loved fashion and shopping.
Iris married Howard Wincele and had two children, Wendy and Eric. They were her pride and joy and she taught them to be independent and hardworking. She would not tolerate discrimination against anyone, cruelty or neglect of animals, and often admonished her children with “You know what’s right and you know what’s wrong”.
For many years she worked in the Sullivan County area as an electrologist. She loved to dance and when she married her second husband, Norton Hyman, they not only gave dance lessons, but performed on stage and on cruise ships. After Iris and Norton divorced, she met the love of her life, Don Cornell. Don was a professional big band singer and Iris immediately took charge of revitalizing his career. This opportunity was a perfect outlet for Iris’ intense drive and focus and she put all her energy into managing Don’s career. They relocated to Miami Beach and under their music label, Iris Recording, produced several new CD’s of Don’s songs. Don was devoted to her and closed every show by singing “You are the Wind Beneath my Wings” and dedicating it to his beautiful wife. She never missed a performance. They traveled the world together and made friends at every port.
Along with the many wonderful things that happened in her life, there was also deep sorrow. She lost her beloved father and cherished brother Steve within a few years of each other. Later, when she lost Don she surrounded herself with her many wonderful friends for support. Iris always included not only her mother Sophie in everything, but also other friends who were widowed or alone. It was very important to her that no one be left out.
Iris was a wonderful caregiver and companion to her mother Sophie. So, when first Sophie, and then her sister Edna passed, a little bit of light went out for Iris. As Iris’ own health declined, she had the opportunity to make even more new friends with the younger women who were her caregivers. It is a testament to her kindness and vitality that they truly came to love and admire Iris and often asked her advice about their own love lives!
Her family remembers Iris for not only her good heart, but for her strength, commanding personality and tendency to be brutally honest. Iris was The Boss. From a young age, Iris knew what she wanted and went after it with a single minded focus. This trait was tempered by her generosity - of material things, yes, but also her generosity of spirit. Iris was the life of the party and to her, life was a party. She recently gave some advice to her granddaughter, “Live life to the fullest and don’t pay attention to how much you spend now. Life is about living, so do that.” Thanks for showing us how, Iris.
Iris Cornell is survived by her loving and dutiful children, Wendy Frank (Dr. Harvey Frank); Eric Wincele (Colleene Wincele); grandchildren Tucker Wincele, Carey Frank, Tate Wincele, and Rachel Frank; niece Jill Jacobs Brack (Reggie Brack); and nephew Adam Jacobs (Nicole Jacobs).
Memorial services will be held at Beth David Memorial Gardens in Hollywood, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St Jude Children’s Hospital.
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