Bernice J. (Toothaker) Cornoni

Bernice J. Cornoni
January 1, 1942 – December 10, 2023

A New Year’s baby, born on January 1, 1942, to Gladys and Stanley Toothaker. Bernice grew up in the hills of Saugus, a graduate of Saugus High School.

Shortly after high school, Bernice married Donald P. Cornoni. Don and Bernice lived for a brief time in Wakefield MA before moving to Newburyport then to Newbury where they would raise their three children: Kimberley, Michelle, and Donald Paul.

Married for 59 years, Bernice and Don loved to entertain family and friends in their Newburyport and Newbury homes including hosting legendary Halloween and Christmas events, lobster bakes and block parties. They loved showcasing their beautiful gardens by inviting friends for tours. Bernice was an avid gardener, painter, and chef. Her memory will live on through her works of art and handwritten recipes.

Bernice retired after 25 years working at Anna Jaques Hospital where she made special friends throughout her career.

Her favorite places to vacation with her family were Biddeford Pool in Maine and camping in the White Mountains. Her greatest love and joy came from watching her seven grandchildren grow up: Brian Foulkes, Sara Fritz, Emily Queenan, twins Lilly and Jack Queenan, Nicholas and Nathan Cornoni.

Bernice leaves behind her husband Don; their children, Kim and husband David Foulkes, Michelle and husband Jim Queenan, and Donald Paul and wife Andrea; her sister, Vera Harbison along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, William Franz and Bernard Toothaker, and niece Karen Helmke.

A Celebration of Life will be held privately on Friday, December 15, 2023

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pettengill House, a 501C3 not for profit organization whose mission is to serve those in need. Checks can be mailed to Pettengill House, 13 Lafayette Road, Salisbury, MA. 01952.