Margaret Marie (Cornelison) Dilley, known affectionately as Margaret to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, at the age of 81, in her hometown of Vincennes, Indiana. Born on September 19 1942, in the same welcoming community, Margaret lived a full and vibrant life surrounded by those she loved dearly.
Margaret was a proud graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High School, Class of 1960, where she formed many lifelong friendships and laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. Her professional journey was marked by her meticulous nature and dedication, as she served as a bookkeeper for Osterhage Lumber Co. and Stangle Bottle Gas, and later on, showcased her keen eye for fashion as a retail clothing buyer for Williams Dept. Store.
Family was the cornerstone of Margaret’s life. She was married to Joe H. Dilley on July 15, 1973 in Mount Carmel, IL. She was a devoted mother to her children, James (Tanya) Dotson, Jan Dotson, Spencer (Staci) Dotson, and Joseph (Renee) Dilley, and a stepmother to Jodie (Jim) Minks. Margaret’s love and guidance were also a cherished part of her grandchildren’s lives, Alyssa (Matt) Witsken, Kaitlin Dotson, Kaleb Dilley, Sasha Davis, Devan (Bonnie) Zuber, Ryan Zuber, Emily Goodwin, Blake Goodwin, and Sam Goodwin. She was blessed to see the family grow to include great-grandchildren Melina Witsken, Mia Witsken, Huxley Zuber, and Taegen Zuber, who brought immense joy to her later years.
Margaret will be remembered by her brother, Albert Cornelison, Jr., as will the many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, her mother, Juanita Mae Lynch; father, Albert Otto Cornelison, Sr.; stepmother, Margaret (Peggy) Cornelison; stepfather, Paul N. Cox and brother, Lowell (Butch) Cornelison and best friend John Carr.
Beyond her family and work, Margaret had a passion for creativity, often found crafting beautiful wreaths and various handcrafted items that brought beauty into the lives of others. Her artistic talents were only matched by her enthusiasm for sports, as she was an ardent supporter of IU Basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals, following their games with fervor and joy.
Margaret’s presence was a gift to all who knew her. Her warm smile, generous spirit, and the love she poured into every aspect of her life will be deeply missed. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of those she has left behind.
As we bid farewell to Margaret Marie (Cornelison) Dilley, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Her journey on earth may have concluded, but the impact of her love and the stories of her life will resonate with us forever.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 12:00 am to 2:00pm at Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel with a graveside service at 2:00pm with Pastor Darrel Weaver officating followed by Entombment at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McCLure-Utt Vincennes Chapel is honored to be entrusted with Margaret’s arrangements,
Margaret Dilley, 81, Vfincennes
By Tom Zimmerman
Sep 8, 2024 | 6:48 PM
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