Obituary of Berdena J. Cornell

Berdena J. Drake Cornell, 93, of Wellsville, formerly of Jasper and Troupsburg, passed away on Saturday morning, October 19, 2024 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. Born in Troupsburg, NY on December 5, 1930, Berdena was the daughter of the late Forrest and Sarah Cady Nudd. She was a graduate of Troupsburg Central School. On September 20, 1947, Berdena married Clayton Drake. He preceded her in death on May 26, 1979. She later married Donald “Red” Cornell on September 27, 1980 and he predeceased her on July 10, 2005. As a young woman, Berdena was employed by the Knoxville Glove Factory and later Galeton Production. She and Clayton were busing contractors for BOCES students in the Troupsburg area. They operated this operation from 1965 until 1979. She became a licensed practical nurse and was employed at St. James Hospital in Hornell. She eventually began working as an LPN at the Bath VA Medical Center. Following her retirement from the VA, Berdena returned to St. James for a period of time. Berdena enjoyed crocheting, traveling and cooking. Besides her husbands, Berdena was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Sarah Nudd, her daughter, Diane Drake, her grandson, Eric Edwards, brothers, David Samuel Nudd, Elmer Nudd and Kenneth Nudd, son-in-law, Gary Gitchell and longtime companion, Owen Knowles. Surviving are her children and spouses, Bonnie and David Brewer of Woodhull, Daryl and Denise Drake of Cameron, Betty Gitchell of Lawrenceville, Peggy Smith of Hornell, Jerry Drake of Knoxville, Karen and Larry Gilbert of Woodhull, Kevin Drake and Lorie of Troupsburg, Patricia and David Stephens of Canisteo and Janet and Brian Edwards of Greenwood, 32 grandchildren, many great and great-great grandchildren, brothers, Merrill (Donna) Nudd of Troupsburg and Larry (Kendra) Nudd of Vinten, Iowa along with several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 22 at 1 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Burial will be made in Woodlawn Cemetery, Austinburg, PA. Memorial donations are suggested to Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.