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Surrounded by loving family on October 18, 2024, at Bluewater Health Hospital in Sarnia, Nancy Corkum passed away at the age of 77.
Nancy was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on March 16th, 1947. She was predeceased by her husband Steve Corkum, parents Howard Otto and Freda (Bowes) Otto, sisters Barbara Cole (Otto) and Heather Otto, as well as dear friend Gwen Doherty.
Nancy will be greatly missed by son Rob Corkum (Michelle); daughter Tricia Shackleton (Drew); grandchildren Ella and Davis Corkum, Stephanie and Taylor Shackleton. Nancy will be mourned by Aunt Pat (Bowes) Bowie, many nephews and nieces in the Cole and Corkum families and many cousins, particularly in the Bowie and Russell families. She will be missed by many, many friends; notably she and Marilyn Kronas became particularly close over the last decade.
Nancy grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and moved to Sarnia, Ontario in the mid 1960's where she married her high school boyfriend, Steve. Nancy and Steve went on to live and work in various communities in Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia. However, Port Albert was Nancy's true home. There, she raised her children, indulged her grandchildren and, for four decades, welcomed neighborhood merry-makers in the house she and Steve built together.
Nancy mastered the art of propriety but was never pretentious. She enjoyed colourful characters, and easily laughed at life's mishaps; traits which served her well in her partnership with Steve.
Nancy was a load-bearing pillar of her extended family; she was a mentor and example to younger family members, and was an advisor and confidant to all. She led by example, with extraordinary strength of conviction and thoughtful values informed by empathy and love. Progressive before her time, she taught her children and grand children compassion and the importance of respecting different viewpoints. She remained critically open-minded to the end, and had the strength to embrace new ideas and incorporate them into her world view.
Nancy immersed herself in the fabric of every community she lived in. In Port Albert, she was a passionate force in the Recreational Society, the church, community fundraisers and their 150th and 175th anniversary celebrations. Her love of history, family trees and writing led her to be a contributor to the Port Albert News and to compile two beloved history books: Port Albert 150 and The Story of Port Albert. Nancy also brought her compassion and energy to various health and elder care facilities over the years.
Nancy will be buried in the Port Albert Cemetery with Steve, in a quiet ceremony for immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Goderich Columbus Centre in Goderich on November 9th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Donations in Nancy's memory can be made to the charity of your choice (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.