With sadness beyond all measure, we announce the passing of Margretta (Maki) Corrigan on February 4th, 2023 surrounded by her loving family, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Predeceased by her husband Thomas Corrigan in 2021 and parents Taisto and Ilma Maki. Her Sisu will be lovingly carried on by her sons Scott (Pam) Smith of Chestermere, AB, and Kevin (Shawna) Smith of Calgary, AB, daughter-in-law Nicole Desjardins (Val Caron), stepson Michael (Jill) Corrigan and her deeply cherished grandchildren, Jay, Katie, Thomas, Chanelle, and Kally. She will be fondly remembered and profoundly missed by her dear Cousin Donna, brothers- and sisters-in-law Patrick and Jewely, Don and Edna, Denise, Jack and Lorraine, Larry and Heather, god-daughter Lindsey, and her many treasured nieces and nephews. We know her lifelong friends Cheryl, Marion, Eleanor, Linda, and Darryl along with many others she adored will miss her along with Kari and her Bridgeclub companions. 'It was more than just playing Bridge, much was shared over the years'.
A true woman of strength and substance, Marg became affectionally referred to in our family as Äiti after her first Grandchild mumbled something similar in reference to her as a toddler, the name quickly resonated with her proud Finnish ancestry, and it became a name she bore with a great sense of pride and respect from us all.
Forever the consumate teacher, her grandchildren all had the pleasure and benefit of lessons in Finn matt looming, sewing, quilting, and cooking as she shared her life-long interests and passion for home arts. Rarely missing an episode of Jeopardy, we all marveled at her extensive knowledge of a diverse range of trivia. Ice cream often in hand, it was her coveted nightly ritual and a joy to watch. She's also passed on her love of travel and encouraged exploration with tales of Finland, Denmark, and Ireland in particular.
Marg and Tom spent the last 12 years wintering at the Sun Outdoors resort in Sarasota Florida and we know they are missed by their friends and neighbours there as well. They both pursued many of their interests in Florida and Marg was involved in many of the activities in the park.
With a teaching career that spanned four decades, Marg has touched the lives of generations of students across Northern (and Southern) Ontario. Marg spent many years involved in local guilds and organizations related to Women’s interests and held positions with Women’s Institute travelling to Helsinki as a representative of the WI here in Sudbury.
Our family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care Marg received from her homecare team and in particular, nurse Kristy Ballantyne. We will also forever be grateful to the staff at Maison McCullough Hospice for their kindness and professionalism in guiding all of us through her last journey. Julie, Jossé-Anne, Morgan, Rachael, Monique and all of the doctor, nursing, PSW, and support staff - thank you for making her last days full, comfortable, and peaceful.
We will miss you so terribly dear Lady. Your grandchildren are your legacy. We all take so much comfort in the certainty that you are at rest with Tom. Donations made directly to Maison McCulloch Hospice in her honour would be greatly appreciated.
Margretta was my family studies teacher in Elementary and highschool.
She mentioned the world to me and was an amazing teacher. She had a huge impact on the person I have become today.
My condolences to her family especially Scott and Kevin.
March 5, 2023
I am very sorry to hear of Marg’s death. She was my roommate in Guelph when we attended University. I enjoyed our many conversations we had then and also a trip to Florida with her and a couple other friends.
My sympathy to the family. May she rest in peace.
February 13, 2023
We were very sad to hear of Margretta’s passing. She was a truly exceptional person who touched many lives. We offer our deep sympathy to her family.
February 11, 2023
Les collègues d’ERO/RTO (les enseignantes retraitées de l’Ontario) envoient leurs condoléances. Nous savons que Margretta laisse un grand vide. Votre meilleur réconfort se retrouvera dans les histoires de sa vie, souvent racontées par ceux et celles qui ont connu la joie de sa présence. Le nom de Margretta est ajouté à notre In Memoriam. Nous nous souviendrons d’elle durant notre prochaine réunion. Un don sera fait à la Maison McCulloch Hospice à la douce memoire de Margretta Corrigan.
Margretta’s colleagues at RTO/ERO (Retired Teachers of Ontario), send their condolences. We know that your comfort will come from the telling of her life’s stories who knew the joy of her presence in their lives, including her students and staff members. Margretta’s name has been added to our in Memoriam. She will be remembered at our next meeting and a donation will be made to Maison McCulloch Hospice in memory of Margretta Corrigan.
February 10, 2023
A wonderful person and colleague with so much to share.
February 9, 2023
So sad to hear, condolences
February 9, 2023