Violet Ketels Cornish passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family in Lansdale, PA on November 27, 2021.  She was born on April 27, 1924 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Joseph and Violet (Blose) Ballezza.  She graduated as valedictorian from Philadelphia High School for Girls on January 23, 1942.

After graduation, she married her first love, George B. Conn.  During World War II, Violet served as a USO Hostess and enlisted in WAACs in November 1942.  She was stationed in Greenville, NC and rose in ranks to 1st Sergeant and managed over 150 women.  Unfortunately, George, who was a paratrooper, perished in action.

After the war, Violet took an interest in theater where she met and married her second husband, Arthur Ketels.  They were residents of Lower Merion where they raised their family.  Violet continued her education and received her College Degree Honors in English in 1951 and her Masters in American Civilization in 1960, both from the University of Pennsylvania.  In 1955, she began her career as Professor at Temple University in the English Department for over 40 years.  During her career at Temple, she founded, created, and developed a unique program, Intellectual Heritage, later becoming director of this program.  Later, Intellectual Heritage became a mandatory class for all students.  Violet received Temple's Faculty Honorary award for excellent teaching in Intellectual Heritage.

Violet continued her love in theater and writing.  She acted in several plays at the Society Hill Play House.  Also, she collaborated in writing and producing a play, Time of Hope, which premiered at Playhouse in the Park in Philadelphia.

Violet met her third husband, Roger Cornish while attending a conference for playwriters.  Violet and Roger were married in 1983 and lived in Washington Crossing, PA and were happily married for over 20 years until Roger's unfortunate passing in 2000.  They collaborated together in writing "Landmarks of Modern English Drama:  The Plays of the Sixties".  Roger and Violet loved cutting the rug together similar to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

In the mid-80s, Violet volunteered for NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness), Bucks County chapter.  She taught and trained "Family to Family", a course offered to individuals dealing with mental illness.  It was a courageous program assisting families.  Her commitment inspired her to reach individuals in and outside PA communities to make them aware and to give them tools to cope with love ones suffering from mental illness.

Violet had a love for life, especially with teaching, acting, writing, reading, travelling, and politics.  Her charm radiated the room.  Her vocabulary and love of the English language were extraordinary.

Violet is survived by her sons Steve and Christopher, and Christopher's wife, Carol.

A memorial service to honor Violet's life will be held at the Kirk and Nice Funeral Home, 80 Stenton Ave., Plymouth Meeting, PA on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 11 AM.  Officiating will be Pastor Jose Ayala.  The family will receive friends and guests from 10-11 AM.  Interment will follow the service at George Washington Memorial Park on the same grounds.

At the request of the family, only those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 are invited, and masks will be required.  Violet's family deeply appreciates the love and support of everyone during this difficult time, and would like to extend their gratitude for honoring their request.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and/or NAMI Bucks County PA in Violet's honor.