WILMINGTON — Cornelia (Corry) Leuenberger, of Wilmington, died in her sleep on August 31, 2026. She was born in Maarssen, Holland on January 21, 1940 and was married to Ernst C. (Christopher) Leuenberger on December 16, 1972 in Bloomfield, NJ. She had enjoyed living in Wilmington for about eight years after moving from Lord’s Valley, PA.
Preceded in death by her loving parents, Johannes Jacobus van Thiel and Hendrika van Thiel – Winter and her husband Ernst C. (Christopher) Leuenberger. Her three brothers, Gerrit, Wilm and Jo also went on before her.
Corry is also joyfully welcomed by her best friend, Ann Ferro with whom she cherished their years together in The Poconos of Pennsylvania.
Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Hendrika Baal and her nieces: Erica and Anita. Like family, Mark and Cherrilyn Ferro, and Laura, Kayleigh and Maraya Williams hold a special place in her heart.
Corry earned an Associate’s Degree and worked at a bank in Holland until she moved the America and lived in East Orange, NJ with her husband and worked as a data typist.
She had been a regular attender at The Church at Hemlock Farms in Pennsylvania and a member of a Bible study group within her community where she formed many longtime friendships. Upon moving to Wilmington she became a regular attender at the Pine Valley Church of Christ and enjoyed the community of friends there. Later enjoyed watching her church online as well as various pastors such as CGK – Utrecht-West, F.W. van der Rhee via YouTube on Sundays.
While living in Lords Valley, PA, she was recognized for her community service in two counties for her selfless actions, sacrifices and compassion for first responders, victims and their families following a fatal shooting at a local police barracks.
Corry also poured herself into the lives of female inmates in the county jail for eight years by teaching them how to sew. Sewing was one of her passions and she enjoyed the opportunity to change their lives and to share their skills with others by “paying it forward”.
Up to her last days, she enjoyed crocheting and knitting and made beautiful blankets for seniors and anyone who would enjoy them. She adored her cat, Rosa Lea, whom she adopted shortly after arriving in Wilmington. She enjoyed country and gospel music and loved to sing.
