Born January 17, 1930 in the town of Blenheim, she was the daughter of W. Everett Dewell and S. Evelyn (Safford) Dewell, North Road where she spent most of her life.
Fanchon attended the one-room school house in Blenheim and then Gilboa-Conesville Central School where she graduated as valedictorian. She then did a one year post-graduate at the school and became the secretary to Principal V.B. Peckam.
On August 29, 1948, she married Lyndon B. Cornell upon his return from the Pacific serving in the U.S. Navy. They had two children, Lyndon Everett and Dianna Sue.
Fanchon held multiple positions in the Schoharie County offices as a typist and clerk. She was a Sunday School teacher for 24 years, and in the Presbyterian Union Christian Society for 44 years. She led a home Bible Study for 40 years with several regular attendees. Lyndon B. and Fanchon supported their local church, the Blenheim Hose Co. and over the years supported the Foster Parents Plan, Asapalli Christian Hostel, Prison Fellowship Ministries, and many other Christian charitable organizations.
Lyndon B. and Fanchon collected for the Heart Fund for 13 years. Fanchon was in the GCS PTA as treasurer; and was in the Blenheim Hose Co. auxiliary. Fanchon was a Life Member of the Schoharie County Historical Society and the Blenheim Bridge Historical Assoc. She was the town of Blenheim town historian for many years. In 1954 she compiled the first Blenheim History (1710 – 1954) and subsequently along with her granddaughter, Alicia Cornell published an update in 1994. Quotes from this book are on the kiosks leading to the Blenheim Bridge replica dedicated in 2019. Lyndon B. made a scale model which they took to many parades, and which is now on display in the Historical Building at the Cobleskill fairgrounds.
Fanchon published a book of poems – “Poor Angel’s Sonnets” and authored additional poems: “Little Friends”, “The Little Locomotive’s Memorable Christmas”, and “The Realities of Christmas”. She was noted for her Christmas greetings and poems which went to over 200 people every year until 2022.
Fanchon was pre-deceased by her husband, Lyndon B Cornell on October 4, 1995, her daughter, Dianna Sue Cornell died in 2011 and her older sister, Phyllis Dewell Clapper died in 1966.
Surviving Fanchon are her son and daughter-n-law: Lyndon E. and Marie (Majoris) Cornell; her grandchildren: Alicia (Jim) Martin, Melissa (Keith) Graham, Rachel (Josh) Hyder, Matthew (Sabrina) Murphy and Sarah (Jerimiah) Castleman; her great-grandchildren: Larkin and Avyn Graham, and Eve, Bryson, Miram and Susanna Hyder.
With a health scare in July of 2022, Fanchon went on Helios (Hospice) care with full time home care provided by Uncommon Care with Cate McCoy and many other wonderful caregivers. Thank you for your care and support.
Fanchon’s Last Poem:
Jesus shed his blood for me
on the cross at Calvary
And, as God’s child I humbly share
This heavy burden that I bear
And ask of them who seek and saves
For peace and trust my soul now craves.
The Spirit comes with power and rest:
God THREE IN ONE and I am blessed.
FDC
Flowers are welcome but it is requested that everyone consider donating to your favorite charity as your gifts to others will long outlast any beautiful blooms.
Fanchon’s funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, on August 2, 2025 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River St. Middleburgh, NY. All are invited to visit with Fanchon’s family from 10:00-11:00AM prior to the service. Burial will follow in Old Stone Fort Cemetery, Schoharie.
Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences with Fanchon’s family.
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