Lida Cannella

COOKEVILLE — Mrs. Lida Elizabeth Imlay Cannella, 94, died peacefully on Feb. 15, 2018 at her home at Heritage Pointe in Cookeville. Lida was born in Youngstown, Ohio March 2, 1923 the daughter of Hugh Anthony and Nella Covington Imlay. After graduating high school in Zanesville, Ohio, she attended Mary Washington College in Virginia and the University of Mississippi where she met the love of her life, Albert Cannella. They were married Jan. 3, 1945 and were happily married for nearly 69 years until Al’s death in Dec. 2012. In addition to her parents, Lida was preceded in death by her husband, Albert “Al” Anthony Cannella and two brothers and sisters-in- law: George and Mary Imlay and Hugh (Bud) and Arlene Imlay. She is survived by her nine children: Sue Cannella of Weare, N.H., Len (Pat Cassidy) Cannella of Worland, Wyo., Jenny (Phil) Partin of Cookeville, Bert (Gaile) Cannella of College Station, Texas, Alice Cannella (Larry Green) and Cherry Cannella (Mikel Perry) of Chattanooga, Tenn., Jeanne (Bill) Schmitzer of Cookeville, Hugh (June) Cannella of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Carolyn Cannella of Abington, Va. Lida is also survived by eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews. Lida spent her entire married years as a devoted wife and mother as she and Al raised their nine children together. An exceptional seamstress, Lida sewed everything from doll clothes to wedding gowns for her children and grandchildren. In her later years she did beautiful scrolled woodwork and beaded jewelry. An outstanding craftsman, Lida was always generous with her talents and her handmade creations giving many away to family, friends, church and civic groups. Lida was active in church work her whole life and had been a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church since moving to Cookeville in 1962. She gifted St. Thomas with many of her arts and crafts for the annual Octoberfest, coordinated Sunday classes, and cooked lots and lots of food for church events and families. She was also a ‘quiet’ volunteer, finding many ways to serve her community without drawing attention to herself. She served as both Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Leader. She delivered meals on wheels, volunteered for many years at a local elementary school, made door prizes for bingo at local nursing homes, sent care packages to military members overseas, and shared her love for arts and crafts with the young ladies at the Chance Residential Home. When she could no longer sew or do crafts, she sent countless birthday and get well cards to family, friends, and fellow residents and staff at Heritage Pointe Senior Living. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Tuesday Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with Father James Panackal officiating. Interment will follow in Cookeville City Cemetery. Mrs. Cannella’s family will receive friends Monday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. The family extends special thanks to Lida’s primary caregiver and loving friend Emily Horn and to Debra Walker and Cindy Green who where faithful weekly visitors. The family also wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Heritage Pointe Senior Living and especially to the resident assistants, nurses, and fellow residents who provided excellent care and loving friendship throughout her five years there. Heartfelt thanks to the staff of Avalon Hospice who took such compassionate care of Lida during her final months. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice 1080 Neal Street Cookeville, Tenn. 38501. Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements (931) 526-6111. www.hhhfunerals.com.