Dorothy A. Corkum

Dorothy Alberta (Smith) Corkum, the light of her family’s life, passed peacefully into Eternal life on December 15, 2021 at the age of 92, surrounded by her children.

Born in Stamford, CT on March 7, 1929 to John and Annie (Hoyt) Smith. The family returned to Wirral, NB, Canada where she spent her childhood with her parents and brother, John.  She graduated from St John High School in St. John, NB, Canada, and the Mount Auburn Hospital School of Nursing in Cambridge, MA in 1950. In 1951, she married Howard Corkum of Melrose, MA, and they settled into their lifelong home in Stoneham raising their seven children.

Dorothy continued to practice professional nursing for her entire life.  Her 71 year career ranged from inpatient care, to 17 years as a school nurse in Stoneham, to working at the Stoneham Board of Health flu clinics up until a month before her passing. She was a proud member of the Stoneham community, actively participating in many town events through the years.  In April 2021, Dot was awarded the Sapphire Award for her contributions to the town as a community nurse through the many decades.

She was also a longtime devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Stoneham. Dot and Howie gave countless years of service to their beloved church.  When called on, she was always ready to help in any endeavor.  She was a beloved neighbor to many on her street and beyond, always the first to volunteer her presence and assistance to neighbors in need.

Her interests were wide ranging, from gardening to fitness to painting.  Her painting brought her great happiness and peace, and she created many lovely works, from a mural on one of the power boxes in town, to framed pieces displayed in the Senior Center.

Her greatest joy was her family, her beloved husband of 66 years, Howie, their children, sons and daughters-in-law, 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Her home was a haven for them all, and sharing and laughter around the kitchen table was a constant.

Left to cherish her memory, with great hope and joy of her eternal life, are her children, Marlene Fitzpatrick (Paul), David Corkum, Patricia Corkum (Stephen Hopkins), John Corkum (Janet), Kathryn Hamerly (Michael), Judith Corkum (Dan Plaster) and Jeffrey Corkum.  She was a beloved grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her three nieces, Janet Duck, Barbara Metzger and Donna Knopf and two nephews, Michael and Andrew Smith.

Visitation hours from 4 - 7 pm Tuesday, December 21st at Anderson Bryant Funeral Home, 4 Common Street, Stoneham, MA. Funeral Service on Wednesday December 22nd at 11 am at First Baptist Church, 457 Main St. Stoneham, MA. Interment to follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody, MA.  In memory of Dorothy, memorials may be made to the Mission of Deeds, Reading Massachusetts.