With deep love and gratitude for the beautiful life she shared with us, the family of Cornette “Connie” McFadden of Stella, Nebraska, announces her peaceful passing on September 11, 2026, at the age of 89.

Cornette was born on November 29, 1936, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Corrinne Jeannette and George Parker Davis, then of Auburn, Nebraska. Family was at the center of her life. Though she could be “spicy” at times, she filled the lives of those around her with warmth, generosity, laughter, and steadfast love.

Cornette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “JW” McFadden. The couple moved from Phoenix to Stella in 1989. She is survived by a devoted family who will carry her love and memory with them always: her son, Brian McFadden, and his wife, Katherine; their children, Max McFadden, and his wife Alicia, and great grand-children Lucy and Pearl; Sam McFadden, and his wife Kerri; and great grand-children Parker and Cameron; and Andrew McFadden; and daughter, Stephanie (McFadden) Kernaghan, and her husband, Tom; their daughters, Brianna Ostrowski; Brianna’s husband, Anthony; and great-grandchildren Landen and Finley, and Georgia Kernaghan. She is also survived by her stepsons: Mark McFadden, whose children are Brittany McFadden and Allison VanLiew and her husband, Charles, and whose great-grandchildren are Justus and Ryker; Vance McFadden, whose daughter, Kelly Rowley, is married to Michael; Scott McFadden and his wife, Laura, whose great-grandchildren are Raya and Kira; and Brett McFadden.

After attending Fresno State University, Cornette embarked on an adventurous chapter as a stewardess for American Airlines. During those years, she became known as “Connie,” a nickname inspired by the aircraft she flew aboard. She treasured that time in her life and the friendships it brought, staying connected through many years of membership in KIWIs, an organization for retired American Airlines stewardesses.

Among Cornette’s many joys, gourmet cooking held a special place in her heart. She expressed her love through the meals she prepared, the gatherings she made memorable, and the care she gave so freely. Cornette and JW also shared a love of travel—touring Europe, cruising the Mexican Riviera on their yacht, and flying their plane across the country. In later years, she traveled often with the Stella Women’s Club and dear friends, forming lasting connections and making a little mischief along the way.

Cornette will be remembered for her generous heart, her unmistakably firm handshake, and the joyful, boisterous laughter that could fill a room. Her presence made every gathering brighter and warmer, and the love she gave so abundantly will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

A celebration of Cornette’s life will be held at a later date, when those who loved her may gather to share memories and honor the remarkable woman she was. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to the Stella Garden Club in tribute to Cornette’s generous spirit and the beauty she brought into the world.