Gerarda Mary Corcoran
1923-2020
The death occurred peacefully at her home in Summerside, on
September 24, 2020, with her children by her side of Gerarda Mary (nee
Shea) Corcoran, formerly of Puisville, aged 97 years. Born on
August 25, 1923, she was the daughter of the late William Emmett and
Emma Pearl (nee McCue) Shea. Beloved wife of the late Herman Corcoran,
to whom she was married for 65 years.
Lovingly remembered by her children, Hermia (Roch) Venne,
Cheryl (Emmett) Bradley, Pearlene (Bill) Schnitzler, Betty (Larry)
Fenton, Anne (David) Armstrong, Mary (Ian) Gemmell, Carmel (Doug)
Richards, Clare (Martin) Cole, Theresa (Tom) Corcoran, Shane (Wanda)
Corcoran, Michael (Sylvia) Corcoran, Colleen (David) Bannon, Rodney
(Donna) Corcoran. She is dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her
29 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by
daughters, Kathleen and Rosa, a grandson, Meredydd, as well as
brothers, Patrick and James Shea and sisters, Eileen, Frances,
Florence, Pricilla and Jennie.
She was a passionate educator having received her initial
teacher’s training at Prince of Wales College. After she was licensed
to teach, she taught until she married Herman Corcoran in 1944. She
returned to teaching in 1963, teaching in one and two-room
schoolhouses while studying for her BA and BEd degrees at the
University of PEI. She taught Red Cross swimming lessons during the
summers. She helped plan for school consolidation in West Prince
County and finished her career as a second language teacher at
Bloomfield Elementary School. During her career she worked on several
committees of the PEI Teachers’ Federation. She was recognized by the
PEI Teachers’ Federation for Innovating Teaching when she started a
very popular woodworking class for her students at Bloomfield
Elementary School, and for the art program she started. Both programs
brought artisans from the community into the classroom to work with
her students. She retired from teaching after 26 years but continued
to support the community through her work at the West Prince Caring
Cupboard, where she served as president, also teaching at Community
School, storytelling at Yves’ House, Green Park and helping to keep
PEI beautiful in support of PEI Rural Beautification
Society.
She loved children, taking great joy in visits, in person and
virtual, with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She took
great joy in catching up with former students and great pride in their
accomplishments. She loved to travel, visiting family and friends
across North America and in Europe. She created beautiful knitted
blankets for her grandchildren, hooked rugs, and she loved to paint.
She cherished her time near the water at Mill River. She always seized
every opportunity to become better educated and to share her knowledge
and skills.
Resting at the Rooney Funeral Home and Chapel, Alberton. Due
to COVID19 restrictions, there will be no visitation. A private family
funeral service at St. Anthony’s Church, Bloomfield by inviation only.
Interment will be in the St. Anthony’s Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Gerarda’s memory may be made to St.
Anthony’s Parish, Bloomfield, PE or the West Prince Caring Cupboard
would be gratefully appreciated.
(my.charitableimpact.com/charities/west-prince-caring-cupboard-inc)
would be The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and
appreciation to Drs. Sharpe and MacDonald, the staff of Andrews of
Parkhill, the Prince County Home Care Services, Summerside and
Bayshore Home Health for their excellent care and attention given to
their beloved mother during her final days.
FUNERAL MASS WILL BE LIVED STREAMED ON ST ANTHONY’S FACEBOOK
PAGE, TUESDAY ,September 29th AT 3:00 P.M.
www.rooneyfh.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerarda Mary Corcoran 19232020..
Death notice for the town of: Alberton, Province: I-P-E