News
Alumni Notes | April 2025
Obituaries
Jantina (Tineke) Cornelison ‘05 (Theological Professions)
Jantina B Cornelison, of Penfield, NY has entered into heaven to live in eternity with her Lord and Savior.
Tineke was a cherished member of her community, known for her roles as a dedicated teacher, revered minister, and trusted friend. A lifelong learner with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Tineke graduated from Westdale High School in 1961 and went on to pursue her education at esteemed institutions such as SUNY Brockport, Nazareth College of Rochester, Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College, The University of Rochester, and Calvin Theological Seminary College. Her heart was deeply devoted to her beloved church and congregation at the Rochester Christian Reformed Church (RCRC). Tineke took immense pride in her role as the Minister of Pastoral Care, serving with compassion and unwavering commitment.
Tineke’s vibrant spirit and exuberant personality touched many lives through her love, generosity, care and commitment to learning and growth, both within her community and beyond. Generations of students at Rochester Christian School, RCRC Sunday School, Youth Group, and numerous other organizations in and around Rochester felt her impact. She found joy in leading the Youth Group, participating in Summer’s Best Two Weeks, Vacation Bible School, and supporting various outreach programs.
Her passion for missionary work took her to Haiti and Guatemala, where she spread the word of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and served as a compassionate humanitarian to the local population.
Tineke was also a cherished member of the Golden Links Folk Group, where her love for music---playing the guitar and harmonica—flourished. The group brought her immense joy through song, fellowship, and service.
Her passions extended to reading, gardening, baking, and cooking. Over the years, Tineke hosted countless friends in her home, always with an open door and a warm welcome, ready to help anyone in need. Mom had a special connection with nature and animals and saw God’s miracles all around her as he displayed his works of awesome creation.
Tineke deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, imparting wise lessons filled with love, joy, laughter, dance, games, and storytelling. Her gentle spirit and warm smiles left a lasting impression on all her nieces and nephews as they grew.
Tineke was a true servant of God, devoted to her family and community. Her life was a testament to kindness, faith, and joy.
Her great sense of humor and positive outlook made her a joy to be around. Tineke found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, cherishing the warmth of hot water, the comfort of freshly folded laundry, and the beauty of everyday moments. Walking barefoot in the morning dew or seeing the snowflakes fall from the sky, she was always amazed by the wonder of her surroundings. She had a unique way of showing gratitude for the little things, teaching those around her to appreciate life’s daily blessings.
Tineke instilled the values of song, fellowship, prayer, and grace in everyone she met. Her faith was unshakable, and she led by example, showing that joy could be found even in the simplest of acts. Through her life, Tineke taught the importance of embracing every moment with a grateful heart.
Entertaining guests with her homemade treats, especially her cherry cheesecake, brownies, cream puffs and fresh cookies, was a hallmark of her hospitality. Every dish was always “made with love.”
Tineke loved celebrating special occasions, especially birthdays, making everyone feel special with her beautiful smile, encouragement, and warm hugs. Her actions consistently showed her deep love for others. We would be delighted with the surprise Birthday signs on our doors with many times a chocolate letter and a fresh orange as a token of her love and thoughtfulness.
Even in her later years, Tineke remained active, with a love for travel that brought her to Tupper Lake, Alaska, New York City, Sanibel, Holland, France and her beloved Canada, where she spent much of her youth. Wherever she went, her “can-do” attitude was ever-present.
Tineke lived her 83 years with joy, kindness and an inspiring spirit. As we reminisce about her life, we will hold her dear in our hearts. She was a role model, a leader, a servant of God and her community, and the best, one-of-a-kind mom anyone could ever ask for.
https://falvofuneralhome.com/tribute/details/5382/Jantina-Cornelison/obituary.html
