Cornelia Mcdermott

Cornelia Marion Banks McDermott, 96, passed away on October 11, 2022, in Madison. The daughter of John L. Banks and Dorothy Dowse Banks, of Superior, Wisconsin, she was raised there among her extended family and good childhood friends. Petie, as her father nicknamed her, was a long-time resident of Madison, active in her church (Blessed Sacrament Parish), and political and social organizations. She was a passionate reader, lover of opera and classical music, and master of crossword puzzles, the more difficult, the better. She had a keen mind and a strong will and was truly the matriarch of our family, which she led with passion and a lively sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of forty-eight years, James H. McDermott, her beloved brothers, John L. Banks, Jr., and Robert Banks, both of Superior, their spouses, Elizabeth Hawley Banks and Margaret “Mimi” Noyes Banks, both of Superior, and her grandson, Carden John McDermott, of Appleton. She is survived by her five children, Elizabeth (Stephen) Thurlow, Jim (Judilynn) McDermott, Cornelia “Nell” McDermott, Julie (Gerald) Whitty, and John (Christine) McDermott, her fourteen grandchildren, and her eighteen great-grandchildren. She also loved (and was loved by) her nephews and nieces and their children. Her family expresses their gratitude for the kind care she received at All Saints Assisted Living and Agrace Hospice, especially to Monika. There will be a small family gathering to celebrate Petie and her indomitable spirit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament School in Madison or a local NPR station.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Rd.

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-3434