Auburn - Our Mom, Arlene Cornelio, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024. As difficult as her passing is for us still here on Earth, she is finally reuniting with our Dad, who she has missed terribly since he left for heaven eight years ago.

Mom, we know you were reluctant on having an obituary, but you deserve one and we want everyone else to know what we always knew and loved about you.

Mom was born on July 28, 1934, to Ronaldo and Ida Veilleux. The first part of Mom’s life was anything but easy, but served as the foundation for who she would be for the rest of her life.

Mom grew up in Livermore Falls and married John Cornelio (Dad) on November 26, 1953. Shortly thereafter, they settled in Jay, ME, and began establishing the most important thing in the world to both our parents…family.

Mom and Dad were tireless workers and the greatest gifts they gave to us was a work ethic grounded in pride, and a love and commitment to family that is unwavering. Mom loved her Veilleux family, where she is survived by her brother Lawrence and sister Louise, but her 6 kids - one (Ann-Marie), pre-deceased our parents, Steve, Donna, Rick, Mark and John, 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren are her greatest legacy.

Mom came from a large family, married into an even larger family, and then raised her own large family. She always enjoyed hosting family gatherings during the holidays, visiting her children, and making the best BBQ chicken, salmon pies, and popcorn balls. The truth is we wanted for nothing.

Mom did not have much free time for outside activities, but had really close family friends and those people - you know who you are - made her smile and feel special.

Mom was strong and a fighter in ways that are simply hard to explain in words, but clear when seen firsthand. She lived in constant, almost debilitating pain the last 40+ years of her life, but most people never knew because she never wanted to burden others.

She was proud to a fault, but strong and determined people are always that way. She lived her last few years at Schooner Estates in Auburn, where she made new friends, but truthfully never really left 7 Stone Street in Jay, Maine.

We would be remiss in not acknowledging the great support Mom received her last few years by the kind and caring people at Schooner Estates and recently from Beacon Hospice Care. In Mom’s time of greatest need, they responded time and again. Thank you! Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com

Cornelio – Arlene, of Auburn, Maine, formerly of Jay, Maine, passed away March 18, 2024 in Auburn, Maine. There will be no visitation and Mom’s burial will be scheduled for this spring at Holy Cross Cemetery, 445 Park Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. In lieu of plants or flowers, she requested that donations be sent to: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine