Cornelia Rose Thompson

Cornelia Rose Thompson

May 16, 2026             

Cornelia Rose Thompson, 85, of Hazleton, PA, passed away Saturday, May 16, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton, PA, after a brief illness.  A lifelong resident of Hazleton, she was born September 14, 1940, to the late James and Josephine (Unis) Thompson. 

Cornelia was a devout Catholic and a member of the St. Pius of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of  St. Gabriel.  A graduate of Hazleton High School, class of 1958, she received a B.A. in Art Education from Kutztown University, where she later pursued graduate studies.  She taught at St. Gabriel School, Our Lady of Grace school and for the Hazleton Area School District.  She also worked at Bucilla Corporation and did inventory control locally.

Cornelia was a talented artist and handcrafter and a member of the Hazleton Art League for many years.  She enjoyed marketing her handcrafts and was especially known for her artful cushions.  Cornelia was also a talented baker and confectioner.  She delighted in giving presents to members of her family, especially at Christmastime.  She was very fond of her feline companion, Fluffy.

In addition to her parents, Cornelia was preceded in death by her siblings James Jr., Brian, Martha (Kvortek), Sheila (Durieux) and nephew Eric Kvortek.  She is survived by brothers David and Mark, her devoted caregiver, as well as by her niece, Rosanne Kvortek; nephew, Andrew Kvortek; great-nieces Amanda and Samantha Cooper; great-nephew George Cooper IV; great-niece Natalie Kvortek; and a number of cousins. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday May 21, at 10:00 am at St. Pius Pietrelcina at the Church of St. Gabriel, Hazleton.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. 

A viewing will be held today, May 20, at the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, 532 N. Vine St. Hazleton, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  There will also be a viewing Thursday at the Church from 9:30 am to 10:00am prior to the Mass

 Donations in memory of Cornelia may be made to the Church of St. Gabriel, 122 S. Wyoming St. Hazleton., PA 18201

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