Cornella Tollefson

A memorial service for Cornella “Nell” Tollefson, 92, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Inurnment will be at a later date in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Everest.
Mrs. Tollefson died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at her home.
She was born Jan. 17, 1917, in Lancaster, the daughter of Charles and Lenora E. Mathena Lee.
Mrs. Tollefson and her family moved to Lawrence from Holton in 1964. She worked in the entomology department at Kansas University for several years and then for several years at the House of Fabrics. She later worked as a seamstress from her home.
She married Alvin “Tony” Tollefson on Oct. 20, 1943, in Fort Sill, Okla. They were married for 62 years. He died Dec. 29, 2005.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Grandma Lee; and a brother.
Survivors include a daughter, Karen Beightel and husband C.W., Lawrence; two sons, Gary and wife Brenda, and Alan and wife Paula, all of Montrose, Colo.; five grandchildren, Chris and Eric Beightel, Keri Sifford, Brandee LeBlanc and Luke Tollefson; and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to Douglas County Visiting Nurses, Rehabilitation and Hospice Care, sent in care of the mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

1 Condolence

  1. Sandi Muhonen on December 9, 2009 at 12:00 am

    My Aunt Nellie was one of the sweetest ladies I ever knew. I don’t ever remember seeing her without a smile on her face. My thoughts are with my cousins Karen, Gary and Alan during their time of loss. I know she will be dearly missed. Niece Sandi in Scottsdale, Arizona.



Leave a Condolence