Virginia “Ginny” L. Cornelius
May 30, 1934 - January 18, 2021
Virginia “Ginny” L. Cornelius, age 86, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on January 18, 2021, in Gardnerville, Nevada.
Ginny is survived by her sons, Michael Corcoran (Angela), Patrick Corcoran (Joan), Joseph Corcoran (Debbie), daughter Ginny Hammond (Mark Washam), sisters Joan Bartoni and Janet Schubert, brother Carl “Bud” Bender (Ruth), stepchildren Steve Cornelius (Shelley), John Cornelius (Sandy) and Cheryl Bower (Clint), dear friend Robert Testerman, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Cornelius, son James Corcoran and daughter Leslie Pottow.
Ginny was born on May 30, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Carl and Helen Bender. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1961, Ginny moved with her former husband Joseph Corcoran (deceased) to Los Angeles, California, with her six children. While raising her children, Ginny worked for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Ginny moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1978 with her husband Frank, and together they took over the Chateau Gourmet Deli, which was a favorite with the South Lake Tahoe locals and visitors.
Ginny loved her family and many friends. So many of her children’s friends remember her as a second mom whose home and heart were always open to them. Her family and friends will remember her as being loving, fun and accepting of anyone she met.
A memorial will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Wounded Warriors, a charity Ginny generously supported.
The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice Care for their wonderful and compassionate guidance.