Obituary of Lois Cornelius

Lois Cornelius August 2, 1937 – April 29, 2020 We are saddened by the loss of our dear mother Lois Cornelius, age 82, she passed away suddenly and peacefully on Wednesday April 29. She was the loving wife of Neil R. Cornelius (pre-deceased June 26th, 1993). Lois was a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. She is survived by her daughters Ida Cornelius, Linda (Jeff) Antone, Catherine (Ron) Cornelius-Roberts, son Patrick (Patricia) Cornelius; grandchildren Sherry (Jamie) Monastyrski, Joseph Antone (Mary McCue), Brian Cornelius (Emily), Cayce Cornelius; and great grandchildren Clay Antone and Cora Cornelius. Daughter of Elijah and Matilda Antone (pre-deceased). The sibling of Mary (Frank) Holloway (pre-deceased); Keith Duncan Antone (Rosie Schuyler), Grafton (Eileen) Antone, Carol (Joe) Mandoza, Alberta (Bruce) George, Wilbe (Etta) Antone, Ellwood Antone (pre-deceased), Cynthia Antone (pre-deceased), Beverly Clause (Dan Vaillancourt), Broderick (Joanie) Antone. To Lois, family was a priority. She hosted many family gatherings and looked forward to celebrating with family especially the Antone and Cornelius reunions where she said the opening prayer in our sacred Oneida language. For more than 30 years, Lois battled Rheumatoid Arthritis. Throughout this time she refused to give in to the pain but instead pressed on with life and inspired others to do the same. She leaves behind a legacy as an accomplished and generous woman who was full of energy, who loved to travel, and was a prominent and well-respected figure in the Oneida community. Lois demonstrated her love for her community thru leadership in many organizations such as an Elder with AIAI, serving as an Elected Councillor, teaching the Oneida Language, playing clarinet with the Oneida Marching Band, and was a life long member of Oneida Fellowship Baptist Church. A private family graveside service will be held at the Oneida Fellowship Baptist Cemetery. She will be sadly missed. In Memory of Lois donations may be made to the Arthritis Society of Ontario Condolences may be left for the family at WWW.ELLIOTTMADILL.COM Special letters of Condolences Shared: Good evening Chief Jessica Hill, My condolences to Oneida and AIAI, who have both lost a trailblazer in the passing of Lois Cornelius. Please pass on my condolences to her family. While I have known Lois through her political endeavours, she was also an Auntie and a Friend to many. She was a gift to anyone who has met her. Lois always had a smile and made you feel like family. She lived a full life and had shared her wisdom, her humour, her kindness and lots of love. I will miss her presence. My thoughts and prayers are with Ida and her family during the loss of their mother. Sending my virtual hugs. May Lois continue to guide their way. Anúshiik, Chief Denise Stonefish Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald Statement on the Passing of Oneida Elder Lois Cornelius (Toronto, ON, April 29, 2020) – The Ontario Regional Chief, RoseAnne Archibald released the following statement on the passing of well loved and respected Oneida Elder, Lois Cornelius. “On behalf of Chiefs of Ontario, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of beloved Elder, Lois Cornelius of the Oneida Nation. Lois was a committed elder who shared her time, language and wisdom with Oneida and all those who would listen, constantly supporting the growth of our Peoples. A proud mother and grandmother, her dedication to the advancement of her community inspired many and showed us that leading is not always about speaking but also about listening. Leadership in Oneida, AIAI, myself and the Chiefs in Ontario will remember her constant calm and loving presence. Her caring, wisdom and kindness will be deeply missed at our gatherings and forums. With a gentle smile, patience and kindness, Lois had a warmth that made people feel at ease in her company. Often providing us with prayers and reflection, her words would resonate and any person could feel that connection through her language, presence and wisdom.” Ninanaskamon! Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald London Beloved Oneida elder Lois Cornelius remembered for her 'spunk' Cornelius was one of only 100 Oneida speakers in Canada CBC News · Posted: Apr 29 Lois Cornelius was a strong advocate for youth and encouraging the next generation to learn the Oneida language. (Provided by Ira Timothy) An Indigenous elder who played many roles over her lifetime, from teacher to politician to grandmother, is being remembered as a woman who changed lives. Lois Cornelius died Wednesday morning in hospital, leaving behind a large family and plenty of people who say they will miss her "spunk." "She was a jokester! Always taking me by surprise," recalls Grand Chief Joel Abram, from the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI). While her sense of humour was memorable, Abram and others also knew Cornelius as a fierce fighter for youth education and for the preservation of the Oneida language. She was a fluent speaker, one of only approximately 125 in Canada. CBC Original Voices: Oneida "How many people had she taught the language? A lot! She was a tireless advocate because she knew so much of our identity is tied up in language," Abram said. Cornelius was an elder for more than 20 years with the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians. (Provided by Ira Timothy) Cornelius was one of the territory's first administrators and went on to serve as an elder with AIAI. She could always be spotted at community gatherings, powwows and workshops. "She was no stranger to hard work. Both of her parents were residential school survivors and she could work with her hands on the farm or with her mind on Council," said Deputy Grand Chief Gord Peters. "She'll be missed by everyone." Cornelius was in her 80s and died from complications related to pneumonia.