Lisa May Cornwell Cotter, almost 52 years young, of Franklin, NH, went Home Sunday, March 14th, in the arms of her husband, who loved her with all his heart. She has left a very large hole in the lives of so, so many. She could never have known how many lives she has touched throughout her lifetime.
Lisa was born on April 9th, 1969 to Patricia (Cornwell) Ahern and Philip Cornwell. She is predeceased by her first son, Nate, whose death she had never gotten over and who met her with open arms and a big smile. She is, most likely, still hugging her boy. She is also preceded in death by her Grampa Cornwell, her Grandmother Isabelle Lane Gazaway Gagnon, and her father. She leaves her husband, Danny; her son, Mike, whom she loved with all of her heart and was so proud of; her grandson, Jayce, who was clearly the joy of her life and a direct gift from God; her Mom and Dad (Jim Ahern); her Gram, Eleanor Cornwell; her Grampa, Mark Gazaway and Grandmother, Martha Gazaway; her sisters, LeeAnn Cornwell Allen and Mary Cornwell; her niece, Jessica; her nephew, Dominic; her daughter by choice, Emily; her daughter, added later in life, Katelyn; her granddaughter Ellie; aunts, uncles, cousins, more nieces and nephews; extended family, who she never let go of and continued to love; and numerous friends and loved ones, who will miss her more than she could have ever imagined.
Lisa was known by many and loved by all. If you didn't love her, you lost out. She would do anything for anyone and was a huge support system for anyone who needed it, no matter how she was feeling personally.
To say she was strong is an understatement. Lisa had gone through a lot in life and always came out victorious. She had always been such a hard worker. She became a Mom to Nate at a very early age and continued on with her education while keeping a job to support them. She worked at Merrimack County Nursing Home, Concord Monitor, National Fence and Granite and, after marrying Michael Campbell and becoming a Mom to Mikey, she helped run Michael's company as well. She worked as Salisbury Town Clerk for a few years and for the NH Insurance Dept for the past 21 years. She was a valuable employee and had worked up to the job title of Financial Records Auditor. She also managed to earn an Associate of Arts Degree.
I think we can all agree her smile and laugh were contagious. What a rascal she was growing up! She was loyal to those she loved and only wanted the very best for them. We will miss her encouragement and love.
It should be stated that she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, very much. She was adamant about her salvation, and she relied on His Strength daily. There is absolutely no doubt that she is with Him now - all the cares of this world, gone. She is experiencing unspeakable joy and peace and is catching up with many loved ones, gone on before. We can all see her again.
She enjoyed many things: living on Webster Lake in the house her Gram and Grampa Cornwell owned, where she spent so much of her childhood and where she was making new memories with her children, grandson, and husband, as well as many other loved ones. Everyone was welcome. She enjoyed making her house a home and filling it with love. Camping at York Beach was a big part of her life, making happy memories with her family. She certainly left behind many wonderful memories for us to treasure in our hearts.
The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 18th 5:00-8:00pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 172 King Street in Boscawen. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00am Friday, March 19th and then Lisa will be laid to rest with her beloved son, Nate, at Blossom Hill Cemetery, 207 North State Street in Concord. All are invited to attend a Celebration of Life immediately following interment at the Salisbury Town Hall at 9 Old Coach Road in Salisbury, NH. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to www.phaneuf.net.