Mary A. (Healey) Corbett

Today, we announce the passing of and honour the long and beautiful life of our dear mother, Mary Corbett. Mom passed peacefully away surrounded by her daughters Dianne and Cathy on May 15, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, just 9 days shy of her 100th birthday. She rejoins the love of her life, Walter, her husband, who predeceased her in 1984.

Left with a lifetime of wonderful memories her daughters, Dianne (David), Edmonton with whom she lived for many years and Cathy (Phil), Mount Pearl who has been her rock since moving back to NL.

Mom was the last surviving member of her family. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Ann Healey, her dear brothers: Richard, Lawrence (Nora), Philip and her eldest granddaughter, Lauren Corbett.

Mom was predeceased by brothers-in-law: Leo (Nora) Corbett, Con Corbett, John (Mildred) Corbett, Dominic Corbett. Sisters-in-law: Isabella (James) Corbett, Ellen (Edward) LaCour and Camilla (Roy) Robinson.

Mom is survived by her dearest and long time friends John and Rose Mason with whom she spent many happy hours playing cards and visiting. Her dear sister-in-law, Mary Corbett (Dominic deceased) who could always make her laugh regardless of what was going on in her life.  Special nieces: Debbie (Brendan) Veitch and Denise (Mike) Dawson.  Special nephews: Gary (Sandra) Corbett and Wayne (Carol) Corbett, many nieces nephews and family in Newfoundland and across Canada.

Mom is survived by her grandchildren: BJ, Lori Ann (Joshua), Andrew, Christopher, Kyle (Allison), Alana (Michael), Christina (Yazeed) and Michael. Mom had 1 great-granddaughter who lit up her world, Avery.

Mom was born in North Arm. She often joked that she knew Dad when she was a young girl, but thought he was “stuck up”. They met in Toronto many years later at a mutual friend’s home and the rest is history. They married in Toronto in 1953 and spent the first several years of their married life happily enjoying the big city and the surrounding lakes and parks, particularly in the long warm months of summer. In 1957 they relocated home to Lakeview where they built a home and raised their 2 daughters.

Mom had a dry sense of humour and often came up with a one liner that would shock but titillate us. As teenagers we loved telling her stories.  We have a lifetime of memories sitting around the kitchen table enjoying mom’s infectious laughter over a cup of tea. Although she wasn’t the social butterfly that dad was, she loved when folks came to visit. Mom enjoyed a drink of rye and Sprite and when available she loved a “hot toddy” of moonshine, sugar and hot water. She called this her “holy water”.

Mom was the epitome of a mother. Her life revolved around her children and grandchildren. Her eldest granddaughter, Lauren she was particularly close to and was often heard to say “Lauren is three parts mine!”. She was a deeply spiritual woman who drew incredible strength from her faith.

We would like to thank the staff of St. Patrick’s Mercy Home for the compassionate care they provided during the last month of mom’s life. Dr. Paul Walsh who cared for mom since he started his practice in Holyrood. As far as she was concerned there was no other doctor but Dr. Walsh.

Visitation will take place on Thursday May 18th  from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Friday May 19th from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10:30 am from Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Harbour Main with interment to follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Chapels Cove.

“Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.”

Terri Guillemets