Ruth E. Cornell passed away at the age of 109, on October 22, 2022.
Ruth was born to Theodore Reed and Rowena Dunham on March 28, 1913, in Portland, Oregon. Her family moved to the Los Angeles area in her early teens. Where she attended Long Beach High School, Los Angeles City College and UCLA. She became a successful newspaperwoman, the first woman in the area to host a weekly radio show “Shopping the Shops with Ruth,” as well as preparing sponsored showcases of the latest home appliances and styles. She also excelled as a real estate agent.
She met the love of her life, John, while they both were employed at the Alhambra Post Advocate. The couple planted lifetime roots in the lovely community of San Marino. Years later, she was asked to join in the celebration of San Marino’s 100th birthday, as she graciously glided into 100 years of age as well.
Some of Ruth’s most memorable moments was being the first woman to attend the first United Nations meeting, being in the brief presence of Albert Einstein, getting a behind-the-scene tour of the Palomar Telescope, while it was still being constructed. She spent WWII writing John while he was away in the Navy and volunteering as a nurse’s aid. Later in life, her passion was genealogy, spending time as a docent at the Huntington Library and traveling.
After becoming widowed, Ruth grew into a well-respected matriarch of her family. Ruth was quick on her feet with wise advice, a shoulder to lean on and a laugh to share. Ruth contributes her longevity to good nutrition, staying active, chocolate, “taking things with a grain of salt” and laughter.
Her daughter Caroline, granddaughter Ashley and great-granddaughter Aubri survive her.
The celebration of her life will be held on December 2, 2022, promptly at 2 p.m., followed by a light reception. San Marino Community Church, 1750 Virginia Road, San Marino 91108. Please contact the family for the livestream link. Gifts in memory can be made to the San Marino Community Church Music Heritage Fund at: smccpby.com/give/foundation-of-smcc.
