Obituary of Kathryn E. Cornforth

Cornforth, Kathryn E. "Betty" Betty, at the age of 95, left our world very peacefully on Saturday, February 21st while surrounded by her loving family. She was a long time resident of Prior Lake. Born on July 9, 1919 in Newport News, VA to William and Katheryn. Betty put herself through Nursing School at Georgetown University and worked as an emergency nurse for the construction crew that built the Pentagon. She was so well liked by the construction crew they recommended her to be hired as a RN for the Department of Defense at the Pentagon, where she worked for over 10 years. Betty and Jack eloped in 1950 and Jack's job transferred them to the Twin Cities where they put down their roots. Just before she left Washington D.C., Betty was being considered for the RN position at the White House. After raising two kids she returned to work as a RN at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. In the 70's, her compassion and love for helping others brought her back to work as a RN for the Minnesota Masonic Home. This is where she spent her final days under their loving and tender care. Preceded in death by her parents, William Klingler, Katheryn and Ernest Demaine, and her "favorite" son-in-law Lee Bell. Betty is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jack; her two children: Ray (Linda) Cornforth and Kathy Bell; grandkids: Brett Cornforth, Nickie Bell, Tony Bell, Mike Cornforth, Doug (Ashley) Cornforth, RJ Cornforth, Sara (Carlos) Zumbado; four great-grandchildren and many treasured friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26th from 4 to 7 pm at First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435. 952-924-4900. A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Friday, February 27th at 10:45 am at Portland Avenue United Methodist Church, 8000 Portland Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420. 952-888-6070. There will also be a visitation 45 minutes prior to the service. Please join us for the luncheon immediately following the service. The procession and interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery after the luncheon. All are welcome to join. Memorials preferred to Portland Avenue United Methodist Church.