Swan Hansen Cornell

In Loving Memory of Swan Hansen Cornell

Swan Hansen Cornell, 86, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Swan was born on April 18, 1940, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to John Homer Hansen and Dorothy Hunter Hansen. She carried the fondest memories of Chattanooga with her throughout her life. It was there that family gathered, memories were made, laughter filled the rooms, and love lived in every corner.

During her fourth-grade year, Swan moved with her family to Decatur, Georgia, where she spent the remainder of her childhood and teenage years. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1958.

After graduation, Swan attended the University of Georgia, where she was an active and devoted member of Zeta Tau Alpha. She treasured the lifelong friendships, sisterhood, and memories she made there. During her junior year, she transferred to Georgia State University, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Swan dedicated 32 wonderful years of her life to teaching, touching the lives of countless students along the way. Her patience, kindness, and love of learning left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In 1960, Swan met the love of her life, Bob Cornell, at a small backyard party at the University of Georgia. They married on November 18, 1961, in Auburn, Georgia, and shared 57 years of marriage filled with love, family, and countless memories.

Swan was a longtime and faithful member of First Christian Church in Cumming, Georgia. She lovingly coordinated countless weddings, taking great joy in helping couples begin their lives together. She also faithfully prepared the communion for each Sunday service. It was not uncommon to find her in the kitchen on Saturday afternoons, filling communion cups with one of her grandchildren helping along her. She cherished the many friendships she formed and the memories she made while serving there.

Swan found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved shopping, especially finding a good clearance bargain, and enjoyed antiquing and discovering special treasures along the way. She cherished meeting friends for lunch, where good food, laughter, and wonderful conversations were always part of the day.

She was also an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic educational organization. Initiated into Chapter AW in Alpharetta in 2006, Swan served in many leadership roles, including President, Corresponding Secretary, and Membership Chair.

Her love extended beyond her family to the many dogs she adored. They brought her great comfort, happiness, companionship, and unconditional love throughout her life.

“Susu,” a name lovingly given to her by her oldest grandchild, Morgan, was a name she proudly carried ever after. She treasured her grandchildren and took great pride in each and every one of them. They brought her endless joy, laughter, and beautiful memories. She loved watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply being a part of their lives. Her love for her grandchildren was unconditional, and each of them held a very special place in her heart.

Swan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert “Bob” Cornell; her brother, Neil Hunter Hansen; and her sister-in-law, Hiedi Doscher Hansen.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Waters and Mary Heard (Sam); and her grandchildren, Morgan Waters, Chandler Barnett, and Mason Waters (Maddy), her nieces, Lisa Marie Head (Mark) and Katrina Hansen Voegtlin (Stewart); and her great- niece, Arianna Driesse (Ryan); her great-nephews, Madison Head and Trey Voegtlin III.

Everyone who met Swan spoke of how much they loved her. Her kindness, warmth, generosity, and love for others touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Saturday, August 15, from 5:00–8:00 P.M. at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 16, at 2:00 P.M. at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Following the service, the family will gather for a meal at Tam’s BackStage Restaurant in Cumming, Georgia, to celebrate Swan’s life and spend time together as family and friends. We would love for everyone to join us, whether or not you are able to attend the funeral. We understand that distance may make it difficult for some to travel, but please know that you are welcome, and your presence would mean so much to our family.

Swan’s life was a gift to all who knew her, and her love will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.