Patricia R. Cornell

Patricia Rainsford Cornell, 83, a resident of La Antigua Guatemala and Cape May Point, N.J., passed away on April 28 of cancer. Over the last 15 years, Pat lived much of the year in La Antigua, where she taught English to Guatemalans, volunteered at the library, and helped with many other activities.

Pat grew up outside of Philadelphia, Pa. During World War II she trained as a nurse at Bryn Mawr Hospital and later worked as a physician’s assistant, an insurance broker, a real estate agent and an agent for a classical guitarist and a jazz band. A tennis and badminton player, Pat also organized events in the sport of indoor badminton for many years, running a U.S. Open, national and Mid-Atlantic championships and several international competitions. She coached a junior badminton program for 30 years and taught badminton at Swathmore College, Springside School and Germantown Friends School.

In addition to her many years in Guatemala, Pat was an avid traveler, with extensive trips to Europe, including Greece and Italy; Latin America; Asia; and Africa. Pat also wrote poetry and children’s stories, including a book that was published in Guatemala. She was an excellent bridge player and, earlier in her life, played classical guitar.

Pat is survived by her two children and their families, Diane Cornell and Margaret Flinner, Peter and Jo Cornell, her sister Janet Graham; and brother Edward Rainsford. She will also be remembered fondly by many friends in Guatemala.

Memorial services were held for Pat Cornell in the United States. Contributions in her memory may be made to WINGS, 793 Ashbury St, San Francisco, CA 94117. The website is www.wingsguate.org.

Publishers note: To know Pat was to love and admire her. She lived her life with integrity, with grace and with great humor. Her passing was a loss to friends from all walks of life, the world over. We will miss her so much.