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Judy Cornish

September 12, 1938 - May 1, 2015
Livonia, MI

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Visitation

Monday, May 4, 2015
2:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Turowski Life Story Funeral Homes
Livonia, West of Middlebelt
30200 Five Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48154
(734) 525-9020
Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, May 5, 2015
11:00 AM EDT
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
(248) 350-1900

the cemetery is located on Ten Mile @ Beech Daly

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Cardwell Florist
(734) 421-3567

Life Story / Obituary


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Judy Cornish was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. When you were with Judy (either in person or on the phone), she had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the world. For countless friends and family members, Judy was the first person called when something was wrong… or when something was right. She commiserated with sorrows, she celebrated joys as if they were her own and, no matter what, she gave generously of her unconditional love and support.

The 1930s were in many ways a somber decade, sandwiched between the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and World War II. For proud parents George and Rose (Chop) Jakovac, however, these difficult years were brightened by the birth of their daughter, Judith. Judy was born on September 12, 1938, and shared her birth year with the establishment of the first minimum wage (25¢ per hour), the use of the first seeing-eye dog, and the invention of the ballpoint pen.

George and Rose were Yugoslavian immigrants who had found a new home in Detroit, Michigan. George Jakovac supported his growing family as a factory worker, while Rose had a job in a department store. Tragically, George passed away when Judy was only 22 months old. The family struggled along on the small income from Rose’s job for the next 8 years. In 1948, things took a turn for the better when Rose married Fabian “Fab” Cencich, a retired miner from Calumet, Michigan. Fab was a true gentleman, and raised Judy as his own daughter.

The years sped swiftly by, and before she knew it Judy had grown into a vivacious and charming young lady. Judy loved the stage, and was an avid performer. Trained in classical ballet, she soon expanded her repertoire to include roles in the dramatic arts. Judy graduated from Cooley High School in 1956, and found independence through a rewarding career with Silhouettes Fitness Clubs. In the summer months, Judy often escaped the sweltering city heat by visiting loved ones in the Calumet and Copper Harbor area.

Judy was destined to find love later in life – fortunately, he turned out to be well worth the wait! On November 27, 1986, Judy married James “Jimmy” Cornish, the man who would be the love of her life. In addition to a husband, Judy found her life enriched by Jimmy’s large extended family, which included his two brothers, their children Tom, John, and Patty,and his name sake Jim, and eventually their spouses and children. The Cornish clan welcomed Judy into their family with open arms. Jimmy, on the other hand, met dear many friends through Judy, including Judy, Barbara, Jackie, Chris, Theresa, and Leslie (to name just a few). The couple was particularly close to Judy’s best friend, Rhonda, and Rhonda’s family (Randy, Jennifer, David, Ron, and Janet). They became as close as family, and many a happy Christmas eve was spent with Jimmy at the keys of the piano accompanied by Ron, leading the family in song.

Sadly, Judy lost her beloved husband after 18 wonderful years. Jimmy’s death marked Judy’s inauguration into the “Merry Widow’s Club.” This group of women, who were anything but merry, came together to comfort and console one another in their time of grief. Other club members included Joanne, Pat, Audrey, and Jan, with Rhonda and Denise acting as hostesses. Years of mutual love and support formed an unbreakable bond between the women and, over time, sad reflections and tears were replaced by smiles and laughter.

A social butterfly, Judy’s greatest joy in life was managing her busy social calendar. She looked forward with relish to lunch dates with friends and loved ones. She was thrilled whenever the birthday of a friend approached, since this meant she would have an opportunity to create one of her famed “goody boxes.” The goody boxes were a collection of items lovingly hand-picked, and were always perfect for the lucky recipient!

Enthusiastic, generous, and always thinking of others, Judith “Judy” Cornish was a loving wife, an affectionate daughter and aunt-in-law, an admired neighbor and a devoted friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all those whose lives she touched.

Judy Cornish, age 76 passed away May 1st. She is preceded in death by her loving husband James. Visitation will be Monday from 2-8pm at our Neely-Turowski funeral home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Committal Tuesday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 11:00 am. Sign the guest book or share a memory at www.turowskilifestory.com.

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