Cornelia McGlaughlin

Cornelia Anne Colaw McGlaughlin, age 87, of Hyattsville, Maryland, passed away from cancer on January 2, 2021. Cornelia was born on March 6, 1933, to Mildred Racy Warner and Cornelius McKinley Colaw in Blue Grass, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Gale McGlaughlin; son Jeffrey Gale McGlaughlin; brothers Owen, Warner, and William Colaw; and son-in-law Norman Mullen. She is survived by her daughter Cheryl Anne McGlaughlin of Shady Side; son Gerald Wayne (“Jerry”) McGlaughlin (and Sharon) of Churchton; daughter Lori McGlaughlin Schweich (and Michael) of Glenelg; grandchildren Cody McGlaughlin, Katharine McQuade (and Archard), Emily Schweich, and Jesse McGlaughlin; step-grandson Robert Ashby III (and Leigh Ann) and great-granddaughter Sydney Ashby; brothers Conley, John, James, and Jacob Colaw; sisters Thelma Baker, Anna Davenport, Lois Cayton, Beverly Sorbara, and Darlene Crummett; daughter-in-law Joan McGlaughlin of Churchville, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cornelia graduated from Blue Grass High School in 1950 and was the Student Council President and Valedictorian. She was an excellent student and was a leader in 4-H. After marriage, she resided in Hyattsville, Maryland for most of her adult life. Cornelia worked as a clerk at Citizen’s Bank of Maryland from 1974–1992, where she developed many close friendships. She loved all types of handiwork, and she sewed, embroidered, crocheted, and knitted both clothing and household items. Cornelia was an excellent seamstress and was especially talented at hand-sewing quilts. She also enjoyed gardening, decorating for Christmas, and baking a large variety of Christmas cookies each year. Since childhood, Cornelia was an avid reader and especially enjoyed historical fiction. She had a witty sense of humor, kept updated on current events, and enjoyed educational television programs and crossword puzzles. A proudly independent woman, Cornelia was an enthusiastic supporter of women’s rights and embraced new ideas.

Plans have been made for cremation, and the family will have a celebration of life event in the future.