Obituary of Marie Corkery

It is with appreciation for a life well lived that the family of R. Marie Corkery announces her passing on April 30, 2022. Born in late 1930, Marie was a North Ender through and through, living, working, and enjoying the North End throughout her full 91 years.

Marie graduated from St. Vincent’s High School, Teachers College, and UNB, receiving her BA and BEd. She spent the majority of her teaching career at St Peter's School after spending 2 years in Europe teaching at Canadian Military bases. After her retirement she travelled extensively with her sister Margaret and spent relaxing hours at her camp in Chapel Grove. Early in retirement she dove into her love of genealogy and invested many hours in the Diocesan Archives researching her Corkery and Jennings roots.

Marie was a member of the St. Elizabeth’s Society, lifelong parishioner and member of the CWL at St Peter’s Church, and later Holy Redeemer Parish, living her faith quietly doing good works in her community. Marie was a reserved lady, never one to be the face of an organization, but always one to be counted on to get the job done. She was one of the founders of the North End Foodbank and spent decades doing this work at local, provincial, and national levels. She truly enjoyed interacting with her community in this way and was awarded The Queens Jubilee Medal for her dedication and service. She was a faithful and generous patron of Divine Mercy Catholic School as well as giving discreetly to those in her family and community.

She became a very devoted fan of the Saint John Flames after a few players from the team donated groceries to The Food Bank. She then followed a few of her favourite players to the Tampa Bay Lightning and it quickly became her favorite NHL team.   She had a great time going to see The Lightning in 2014 and a highlight of the trip was when she was able to attend a closed practice with the team.  Marie was hoping they would “3 Peat” for the Cup this spring.

Towards the end of her days Marie adopted her favourite dog Benji and spent many happy days going for walks around the North End. In fact, she had one last stroll with Benji along Douglas Avenue two days before her death. 

She will rest peacefully knowing she didn’t have to see St Peter’s church torn down.

Marie was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Anne Corkery (nee Jennings), several uncles and aunts, brother-in-law Vince Desmond, and close cousin, “Bobby” Joseph Fitzgerald.

Marie is survived by her sisters, Margaret Corkery and Anne Desmond, 6 nieces and nephews: Timothy, Anne Marie, Patrick, Maureen, Ellen and John; 18 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great great-nieces and nephews.

We will miss you Marie and are comforted knowing you are resting in God’s loving embrace.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) there will be a visitation on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 3 PM - 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Parish on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 11 AM. Interment to take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a food bank of your choice or to Divine Mercy Catholic School, and online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.