CORINN MICHELLE DESIREE SOUTHCOTT

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CORINN MICHELLE DESIREE SOUTHCOTT After 11 years of valiant struggle with brain cancer, Corinn passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2008, surrounded by family and friends at the Gimli Community Health Centre. Her recent and sudden decline was devastating to all of us. We thought this would just be another one of her miracle recoveries. She leaves behind treasured memories for her mom, Kim (Arvid), sister Kristen (Collin) and children Arabella and Riley, brothers Cole and Jett, fiancé Quinn and his parents, Dodi and Norm, grandmother Nancy, aunts Shelley (Jon), Trisha (Dave), Wendy, Rosemary (Mike), and Linda (Mark), uncles Mark, Brad, and Tim, cousins Carrie (Nate) and Sara (TJ), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her friends and supporters are so numerous that to try and mention them all would be a task too large. We acknowledge and appreciate all of you. Corinn was predeceased by her father, Gary, grandfather, Jerry, and grand- papa Ivan. Corinn was born January 25, 1978, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and spent her primary years in Niagara-on-the-Lake, attending Parliament Oak School, and participating in baseball, soccer, and ballet. She and her family moved to Winnipeg in 1988, and then settled in Gimli the following year. Corinn loved Gimli and her friends. She was active in sports and theatre. As a teenager, her first real job was as an ice-cream scooper at Country Boy, and then she worked for Aspen Park Condominium Corporation, followed by waitressing at Brennivins. She graduated high school with distinction in 1996. She attended University of Winnipeg with her dream to become an actor. During the summer before her second year, Corinn was diagnosed with a Stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour. An enormous benefit was organized by family friends to assist with Corinn's special trip to Montreal for a new kind of radiation boost and other expenses. The people of Gimli and area resoundingly opened their hearts to participate financially and emotionally in Corinn's road to recovery. She continued in good health until the tumour returned in April 1999. This fight was tougher than the previous, but she maintained a positive attitude and once again came sailing through. As a result of the treatments, Corinn lost her eyesight and had difficulty with communication and memory. Despite all of these challenges, she rebounded well, adapting to every challenge, and continually surprising her family, friends, and doctors. Corinn participated in the annual Terry Fox runs and Relay for Life. She had weekly social outings with her good friend Pat who would help her gamble away a couple of dollars on break-open tickets, and take her to Chicken Chef for Caesar Salad. Her friend Ted would tirelessly escort her to a multitude of appointments in Winnipeg. Corinn also enjoyed her weekly jaunt on the Handi-Van to the Adult Day Centre where she played cards, made crafts, and participated in various activities. When she wasn't out gallivanting, she had her regular television programming and talking books to keep her occupied, in addition to caring for her little brother. Throughout all, Corinn maintained a cheerful and positive demeanour. She will be fondly remembered for her wink and the gun , telling it like it is, and memory for quirky details. Recently, Corinn's tumour returned and she was in for a tough battle. She met this head on with her usual strength and humor. This past two weeks was hard for Corinn but she did not complain. Friends and family maintained a constant vigil to assist her with her every need. We thank Dr. Gary Schroeder of CancerCare and our longtime family physician, Dr. Cary Chapnick, for their personal care and concern; also the doctors, nurses, and support staff of H4 at Health Sciences Centre and Gimli Community Health Centre for their care and compassion. Special thanks to her round-the-clock care team of Jill, Charyle, Amanda G., and Amanda E. Corinn is a lucky girl to have such good friends. A Celebration of Corinn's life will be held on Friday, August 15 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gimli Park Pavillion with Mona Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the GCHC Healing Garden, Box 250, Gimli, Manitoba, R0C 1B0. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2008