Madeline A. (Knisely) Cornelius, 94, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on September 27, 2026.
She was born on February 8, 1932, in Shade Gap, PA, to the late Willard and Mary (St. Clair) Knisely.
For much of her adult life, Madeline lived in McConnellsburg and, later, on the family farm near Shade Gap, where she was active in the church and various community nonprofit organizations, including the Shade Gap Women’s Auxiliary and Shade Gap United Methodist Women’s Club.
Along with her husband, Luther, she helped establish Meals on Wheels in the Shade Gap area. Madeline also worked as a hospice aide for many years, something that was important and deeply meaningful to her.
Later in their retirement years Madeline and Luther moved to Franklin County, where she was active in the St. Thomas United Methodist Church. More recently Madeline attended Park Avenue United Methodist Church.
Madeline is survived by her three sons: Rodger Cornelius (Ev) of Fayetteville, PA; George Cornelius (Susan) of Carmel, IN; and Randy Cornelius (Julie) of Mars, PA. In addition, she is survived by seven grandchildren: Brett Cornelius, Andrew Cornelius, Angela Spidle, David Cornelius, Alison Crist, Thomas Cornelius, and Stephanie Cornelius; and several great grandchildren.
Madeline was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Luther Cornelius, who passed away on March 5, 2007, and her siblings, Martha Kelly, Richard Knisely, Joanne Price, Helen Kyler, and Bruce Knisely.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 125 Park Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201.
The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Madeline, please visit the floral store.
Arrangements are entrusted to Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home.
