Dudley (Lee) Emerson Cornell, IV

Dudley (Lee) Emerson Cornell, IV, age 61, passed on suddenly and peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. He was preceded in death by his father, D.E. (Skip) Cornell, III; his brother, Christopher George Cornell; and his partner, Gilbert Baca. He is survived by his mother, Joan Anderson Cornell; his sister, Jill Elizabeth Cornell; and his brother, Craig Arthur Cornell and his family: wife Ava Cornell and their children, Kori McGael Anaya and her husband Florian Anaya and their children Jadon McGael and Esmae Nevaeh Anaya, Kamden Samuel Cornell, Skyler Emerson Cornell, and Chenoa Arthur Cornell, all of Albuquerque, NM. Lee attended the Albuquerque Academy and Manzano High School. He also attended the University of NM and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in University Studies as a returning student at the age of 48 with a concentration In Mathematics. Lee started his working career as a professional dancer. He danced at the Stardust and MGM Grand Hotels in Las Vegas, NV and was one of six dancers with Bobbie Gentry for about six years. From there he went into writing workshops for trainees at the Bank of America in San Francisco. Also, while in San Francisco, Lee completed the EST Training developed by Werner Erhard that brought to the forefront the ideas of transformation, personal responsibility, accountability and possibility. He later volunteered at the EST Headquarters in San Francisco for several years. Lee returned to his hometown of Albuquerque in the late 1980's and served on many healthcare committees including with NMAS (New Mexico Aids Services) and Aligning Forces for Quality which focus on improving health and healthcare in communities across New Mexico. Lee was also very involved in AA and NA groups for many years, often volunteering and chairing meetings. Lee was an accomplished cook and had perfected his own secret recipe for the best chocolate chip oatmeal cookies ever. He was also an avid reader and gardener. He gave of himself generously over the past seven years being his mother's live-in care taker following her successful recovery from a stroke and a bout with cancer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to NMAS (New Mexico Aids Services), 615 Truman St. Albuquerque, NM 87110. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 2pm at Albuquerque Center for Spiritual Living at 2801 Louisiana Blvd. N.E., Albuq., NM 87110, at Claremont, second street North of Menaul. A Reception will immediately follow at the Center.