Ethel May Cornbrooks

Ethel May Cornbrooks, age 80, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 13th, 2026.

Ethel was born October 27th, 1945 at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland to Earl Purcell and Edith (Simms) Purcell. She was a 1963 graduate from The Catholic High School of Baltimore.

Ethel married the late John Edward Cornbrooks on April 18th, 1964, and raised her children as a single mom with the help of her family and friends.

She worked as a secretary for Becton Dickinson (BD) until retiring in 2005. While working for BD she also met her late boyfriend August (AJ) Nicastro. Ethel and AJ enjoyed spending time together around town, going to the beach in the Outer Banks, and sightseeing such as attending a hot air balloon festival. Ethel also enjoyed crafting, sewing, spending time with friends and family, gardening, and watching the birds and squirrels. She loved Disney, Elvis, watching the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens games, Natty Boh, and dressing her best whenever she left the house wearing jewelry to match any occasion.

Ethel is survived by her sons Robert Cornbrooks and his wife Sandy, James Cornbrooks and his wife Jill; her grandchildren Autumn Cornbrooks, Holly Cornbrooks, Jennifer Field, and Jarett Cornbrooks; her siblings Brenda Seal, Clifton Purcell, James Purcell and their families; and other family and friends.

The family of Ethel Cornbrooks wishes to thank Sun Valley at Ridge Overlook for their help and care of Ethel during her time there.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at a future date and internment will be private.

Arrangements are by the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, MD.