Kornelia Stephanie Merihew

Kornelia Stephanie Merihew, 62.  

Kornelia was born on November 16, 1961 in Kaldenkirchen, Germany. She was the 4th child of Gustav Felix Ernst Zick and Hildegard Käthe Zick (maiden name Porst). Her older brother Holger Zick died before she was born.She grew up alongside her sisters Ilse (1952) and Susanne (1959). 

Kornelia’s artistic talents manifested themselves as a young child. At school, she impressed her teachers with beautiful essays that reflected her imaginative character. Kornelia was an extremely creative, artistic and musical person. Drawing and painting were her great passion. She loved music. Kornelia played the violin and enjoyed going on concert tours with the school orchestra, usually together with her sister Susanne. These journeys took her through France and England to Spain in the 1970s. 

Kornelia was a funny child and popular with everyone. She finished her schooling with secondary school leaving certificate, then began training as a hat maker in Mönchengladbach until she moved with her parents to the Black Forest in southern Germany in 1983. There Kornelia trained as a hotel manager at the Dorinth Hotel on the Feldberg. When her parents went back to the Lower Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia, she moved to Bamberg, Germany where she found a job and, above all, met and fell in love with Roger Merihew, who was stationed there. Kornelia and Roger dated and decided to get married. Kornelia left Germany in 1991 and moved to Florala, Alabama, USA.. She was a homemaker while Roger attended college and worked outside the home. She gave birth to her daughter Hazel Merihew in 1993. Soon after, the family moved to Macon, Georgia. 

Kornelia spent the next 30 years being a dedicated wife and mother. She meticulously maintained the family home and garden. Kornelia was well known for her attention to detail and perfectionism. She was hard-working and would do anything for her family and friends.  

Kornelia loved painting, gardening, outdoor activities, crocheting, and anything creative. But what Kornelia loved most of all was her family. Kornelia loved being with her daughter Hazel. She taught Hazel German and English. Members of the community fondly reflect on her transporting Hazel to Kindergarden in her little red wagon every day. Hazel's classmates still remember Kornelia coming to the elementary school to read stories and help in the classroom. Kornelia enjoyed volunteering and had a giving spirit.  

Kornelia embodied feminine grace and endless kindness. She loved her husband and cared for him until the very end of his life. Kornelia enjoyed creating a beautiful home for her family through her painting and decorating skills. Kornelia loved caring for her husband Roger and spending time with him. The two of them loved hosting barbecues, going on road trips, listening to music, and relaxing outdoors. When her husband Roger became ill, Kornelia gave unwavering love and care.  

Kornelia was always thinking of others. She loved her family and her friends. Kornelia enjoyed chatting and laughing with her family in Germany. She spent countless hours on the phone with her beloved sisters Susanne and Ilse. Kornelia enjoyed visiting with her dear friends Vicki and Angela, and they loved her just as much. Everyone Kornelia met instantly felt her warmth and kind-heartedness. Kornelia was one-of-a-kind and is deeply missed. 

Kornelia is survived by her daughter Hazel, her sister Susanne and Ilse, and many other beloved family members across the United States and Germany. Her husband Roger, her parents Gustav and Hildegard, and her brother, Holger predecease Kornelia.

Memorial services for Kornelia will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Marathon Memorial Chapel, 4071 State Route 221, Marathon, NY with Reverend Vern Groves officiating.  Burial will be in Marathon Cemetery.