Heidi (Garner) Coryell

Heidi Coryell, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Heidi was born in Washington, DC on January 1, 1945, a daughter of the late James and Henrietta (nee Charles) Garner.  She received her Master’s degree and worked for many years at the Cayuga Home for Children in Auburn, NY. Heidi spent her life fiercely advocating for those who fell through the cracks. Through her many positions with the Somerset Federation of Youth, FNC farm, the Broome County Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, ARC, and Cayuga Home for Children, she formed connections with those in need and ensured they found support. Heidi spent many years in her garden tossing ripe cantaloupes, singing to the Beatles, and harvesting a multitude of vegetables and flowers. Later in life, she spent many miles driving to the best quilt shows and fabric shops. Her laughter and pizzazz for life will be missed.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Dave Coryell; her daughter, Lalania Garner-Winter; her stepchildren, Lee and Shelly Coryell and Cathy Coryell; grandchildren, Julia (Coryell) and Glen Stevenson, Anna (Coryell) and Benjamin Cosh, Maverick Coryell, Caitlyn Coryell and Diarmuid O’Cealliagh; and her brothers and sisters in law, Jim and Charlotte Garner, and Joel and Rozzie Garner. Heidi was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jon Garner.

A reception will be held from 3:00 to 5:00pm on Sunday, December 10th, 2023 at the Ovid Federated Church. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Heidi’s memory to SS Ecumenical Food Pantry, c/o Ovid Federated Church, PO Box 340, Ovid, NY 14521 or the Parkinson's Foundation 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131.