Joanne Kay Cornwell

Joanne Kay Cornwell, age 88, of Ithaca passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2024 with her family by her side.

Joanne was born Joanne Kay Pittman in Alma, Michigan on July 26, 1936 to Lyle and Ethel (Bloss) Pittman. She worked at the original Polka Dot (JJ Ruby’s) restaurant for over 15 years.

Joanne married Jack Cornwell on October 27, 1973. He preceded her in death in 2020. 

Every winter they traveled to Florida in their motorhome, for over 40 years. Joanne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and playing with her great grandchildren. She loved sitting outside watching the birds fly and the tractors drive by on the “highway”. 

Joanne enjoyed crocheting, making jewelry out of beads, and giving her loved ones handmade birthday cards. She had a great sense of humor that stayed withe her until the end.

Joanne is survived by her daughter Deborah (Riley) Putnam, son Douglas (Caryn) Myers, step son Rolland (Judy) Cornwell, and one brother Ted (Rhonda) Pittman all of Ithaca.

Joanne also has six grandchildren, Jennifer (Devon) Buck of Sumner, Amanda (Marc) Pitcher of Ithaca, Heather Petery of Florida, Christopher (Nikki) Petery of Mt. Pleasant, Kevin (Ashley) Myers of Alma, and Brittany (Josh) Howe of Elm Hall; 17 great grandchildren; and her first great great grandson on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, daughter Pamela Petery, brothers Michael and Justin Pittman, grandson Travis Myers, and step grandson Steven Cornwell.

Funeral services for Joanne will be 1pm Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation will be Friday, November 22, 2024 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.