Winnifred Corkum

Nova Scotia has lost one of its own. Winnifred Marguerite Corkum (Peggy) died December 16, 2018. Peggy was born In Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, November 7, 1925 to Harold and Blanche Corkum. She graduated from the Victoria General School of Nursing in 1947 and from there, pursued her career, travelling the world as a flight nurse in the Royal Canadian Air Force. During her three-decade career stationed at numerous military bases she cared for the ill and injured, including soldiers in the Vietnam War, retiring as a Major from the Canadian Armed Forces.

After retiring, Peggy returned to her beloved Nova Scotia. Few could exceed her enthusiasm for Halifax. She enjoyed playing piano. She played bridge, and was an avid golfer, swimmer, and curler. In retirement, Peggy and her twin Winona travelled the world on numerous cruises and tours. She relished hosting family reunions in Nova Scotia every 5 years with her large extended family, who fondly recall the lobster dinners, musicales, and hikes at Cape Breton’s Keltic Lodge.

A lover of music, Peggy thought everyone needed music in their lives. She delighted in attending musical concerts and was a devoted and generous supporter of the Nova Scotia music community, including the Symphony Nova Scotia, St. Cecelia Music Concert Series, The Music Room, the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo, and others. She bestowed grand pianos to where there would be enjoyed by the public, including Government house, St. David’s Church, and the new Halifax Library.

With her ready smile and enthusiasm for conversation, Peggy never missed an opportunity to greet and chat with friends and strangers alike. Staying active and independent well into her 90’s, Peggy leaves an example for the rest of us for a life fully lived on her own terms. Peggy is survived by her twin sister Winona Lyons of Iowa City, Iowa and sister Inez Cathers of Winnipeg, Manitoba, seven nieces and nephews and numerous friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Doris Clarke. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in 2019.