Sandra J. Cornelison

Sandra "Sandy" J. Cornelison
March 27, 1949 ~ May 29, 2025

Sandra "Sandy" Cornelison grew up in the small town of Bushnell, Nebraska, population 225. Her elementary and junior high class consisted of just 12 students. For high school, Sandy attended school in nearby Kimball, Nebraska, before pursuing higher education at the University of Nebraska, where she graduated with a degree in Music.

Sandy began her career as a music teacher in Yutan, Nebraska, where she dedicated several years to educating young minds. She later transitioned to bookkeeping at Baxter Chrysler Dodge. During her teaching years, Sandy discovered her passion for barbershop harmony when she joined the Sweet Adelines, a women's barbershop chorus. This talented group competed throughout the United States and participated in several national championships, where they competed against international choruses.

In the summer of 1986, Sandy met the love of her life, Mark, at the Golden Apple Piano Bar. They were married on December 31, 1987, beginning a beautiful partnership that would last for decades.

Sandy retired in 2019 and cherished spending her remaining years with her beloved husband Mark. In 2022, she was diagnosed with cancer that had metastasized to her lymph nodes. Despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the cancer proved resistant to treatment. Sandy spent her final months at a nursing home in Valley, Nebraska, where she courageously battled both cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Throughout this difficult time, Mark remained devoted to her care, visiting twice weekly while continuing to work 32 hours per week to maintain her health insurance.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM
- Visitation: Starting at 10:00 AM (same day)
- Location:** Braman Mortuary Millard Chapel
- Interment: Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Omaha National Cemetery

Sandy will be remembered for her dedication to music education, her love of harmony through the Sweet Adelines, and the unwavering love she shared with Mark throughout their marriage.