Corey Lane Corkill, 72, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley.
She was born on January 17, 1939 in Bellingham, Washington, the daughter of Donald & Marjorie (Gilmore) Lohman. She was raised and attended school on Orcas & San Juan Islands, graduating from East Sound High School with the class of 1957. She then went art school in New York for a year and briefly to Mexico until settling in Hawaii, where she met the love of her life, a U.S. Navy submariner by the name of James Corkill. They were married in Hawaii on October 20, 1963. Jim was transferred to Vallejo, California in 1966 where they made their home until 1968 when they were transferred to Bremerton.
In 1971, they moved to Skagit County, living in Sedro-Woolley until moving to Bow. While living on the family ranch in Bow, Corey became very involved with show horses, winning numerous ribbons and trophies over the years.
In 1972, Corey began her career as a secretary for the Sedro-Woolley School District at the district office, but there was “not enough people activity” so she transferred to the high school when an opening became available.
In 1990, she and Jim returned to Sedro-Woolley and built their present home.
She was a founding member of The Wild Women of Woolley and was active in SCAT, (Skagit Community Arts Theatre) for many years.
She was also the entertainment director at her retirement community in Yuma, Arizona where she and Jim wintered.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles in Sedro-Woolley and the Women of Moose in Mount Vernon.
Corey is survived by her husband, James, at the family home in Sedro-Woolley; her daughter, Shannon Kellington of Seattle and her grandson, Jordan Kellington.
Four step-children, James, Patrick and Scott Corkill and Laura Brossard. Her brother, Ken Lohman and his wife Kathy of Bellevue. 4 Step-grandchildren, a nephew, Kevin Lohman and a niece, Lori Hasselbalch.. She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Jayson Crowder.
Private Family Graveside Inurnment Services will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery with a Memorial Celebration of Life Gathering to be held on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 1:00PM at the American Legion Hall in Sedro-Woolley. Memorials are suggested to Sedro-Woolley High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund PO Box 509 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel. Share memories of Corey and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
I am so sorry to hear of Corey’s passing. She was an awesome gal.. She glowed with her zest of life, and her love of the theatrical arts. She was a beautiful inspiration to us “other” Wild Women of Woolley. She danced and sang with such grace.
She loved the hustle bustle working at the SW high school .She always had a smile for everyone.
I met Corey and Jim in 1971 when I became a member of the Sedro Woolley riding club. Corey was always so proud of her horses. She had such style, a wave of elegance and class and maintained that throughout the years.
Dear Corey, you wont be forgotten… because when we look up to the summer night sky, you will be there dancing, on the stars……
Your enthusiasm for Life and Friendship, but memories of Orcas Island
with be forever. May God welcome you into His Kingdom.
Working with Corey was like being in the middle of a Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney movie- except we didn’t have to rent a barn because we had a high school auditorium! As I have described good workplaces over the past ten years, I talk about having someone who brings heart and acceptance and sets the tone for how we treat one another. She is the person I am describing and that will continue to be my tribute to her. She touched so many lives and leaves a loving and enduring legacy.
Jim our deeepest sympathy is with you and your family
Jim our deepest Sympathy is with you and your family.
Jim and Shannon,
Wonderful memories of my friend Corey.
We met in Bellingham at the middle school.
Then we worked together for the Sedro-Woolley Schools.
Fond memories of good times together.
Sedro-Woolley has lost a shinning STAR..
I will truly miss Corey.
Peggy Suryan
My husband was career Navy as was Jim Corkill and I knew Corey thru that. She was one of the happiest, friendliest, crazyest people I have ever known. We had unbelievably good times, with or without husbands. She could always think of something fun to do, as I’m sure everyone knows, her Wild Women Group as an example. It is sad just to know you can’t have a chat, either by phone or e-mail. She will be sorely missed. Via Con Dios, Corey!
I have so many good memories of Corey, from school (including helping with plays) to Scat to all the other things. She enriched my life with her smile and her zest for life. She will be missed.
Bill McCann