Mary Blanca Cornejo

Mary Blanca Cornejo, age 84, passed away on Saturday May 10, 2021 at 12:50 a.m. after a battle with Covid. When I say battle, I mean it, she fought till the end. The Doctors even said that it was a miracle that she was pulling through, but I, nor anyone that truly knows her were surprised at her will to battle on. Mary was a warrior, the embodiment of strength and perseverance against all odds, but it was time for her to rest.

Mary, also lovingly known as Lidia, was born in Santa Tecla, El Salvador on June 13, 1936 to Marta Fidelina Cornejo and Federico Rodriguez Ayala. She immigrated to the U.S. in the early 70's and established a life in Westchester County, New York for her and her children. Her work ethic is something to admire; she worked as a housekeeper, in childcare and in elderly care and did each job with love and dedication. If she were going to do something she was going to do it right, and nothing would ever stop her from supporting her family. She was a selfless person who did not hesitate to help someone in need, especially those she loved. She would put the needs of her loved ones before hers and showed her love through acts of kindness and selflessness.

Though Mary was always hard at work, she would somehow find the time to stop and enjoy life and loved to dress up to do so. If you were to look at her photos throughout the years, you would see her in beautiful dresses, with heels and her curly hair beautifully styled. She loved the snow and would even go out in the biggest of storms to get snacks with her granddaughter just so that she could enjoy the snowfall. She had the ability to turn simple outings into an adventure. There are not enough words that could explain what an amazing woman, mother and grandmother Mary will always be to our family and those who were lucky enough to know her.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Marta and Federico, and her first born son, Jose Antonio Cornejo.

She is survived by her son Jose Pena; her daughters Lillian Arboleda and Lidia Pena-Lauria; her grandchildren Jose Antonio Cornejo, Tania Cornejo, Tamara Arboleda Auz, Joseph Pena, Anthony Pena, Prince Pena; 5 great-grandchildren and last but not least her 2 great fur babies that stole her heart with even though she would always argue that she would never have cats in her home, which is just another example of how big her heart was. Her traits, her love, her legacy will live within us and will be passed down to future generations until the end of time.