Hornell, New York

Linda D. Cornish, 66, of 293 Canisteo Street, Hornell, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Born in Hornell on March 3, 1959, she was the daughter of Oliver and Eleanor (Lorow) Cornish.

Linda grew up in Hornell and was a Class of 1977 graduate of Hornell Senior High School.          Afterward, she attended Alfred State College and the University of Texas at Lubbock.

She worked for several years as a direct support professional for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities before her retirement.

Linda enjoyed tracing her family genealogy and taking long rides in the hills of Steuben County with her mother, in search of family interment sites and tending to those she found.  She was an animal lover, especially of her canine companions (Daisy and Dasher) and her cat, Phyllis.

She was preceded in death by her father, Oliver L. Cornish; her “better half,” Donald Gallese; her brother-in-law, Roger S. Kerr; and her nephew, Ian D. Kerr.

She is survived by her son, Benjamin “Ben” (Luisa) Cornish of Salem, MA; and her daughter, Madelaine “Maddie” Gallese of Hornell.  She is also survived by her mother, Eleanor L. Cornish of Hornell; two brothers, Mitchell (Collette) Cornish of Fremont, NY, and James “Oz” (Tonya) Cornish of Hornell; a sister, Kelly L. Kerr of Brockport; along with several nieces and nephews.

At Linda’s request, there will be no calling hours, and a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at Hornell-Rural Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.

Linda’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.