Well-known South Shore free lance journalist and author, Arlyene Barrett Corkum, 82, of East Berlin, passed away peacefully June 22, 2015, after receiving numerous accolades over the years for a lifetime of writing, helping others and promoting the art of writing. Her words and presence will be sadly missed by her family and all that knew her.
Arlyene was the youngest daughter of the late George H. and Pearl (Kieley) Barrett.
She was born in her grandparents’ home on Jubilee Road, Halifax on May 7, 1933. During her formative years in the city, she worked as a teenage fashion photographer. She later directed promotions and publicity for Paramount Theatres. Her passion for writing grew into what would become a life-long career working as a newspaper stringer and journalist for about 60 years. Her works appeared in media published by the Halifax Herald Ltd, Cameron Publications, Transcontinental Media and Graphic Advocate Publications, to name just a few examples. Her emotional writing often appeared locally in the Queens County Advance and the Shelburne Coast Guard as well. She especially enjoyed interviewing and telling stories of senior citizens who have had exemplary and sometimes trying lives. She continued writing and conducting historical research throughout her final years. She also worked in television and produced and hosted several shows viewed both locally and internationally. These include People of Note and Law and the Offender. Her passion included helping others. She is a founder and first President of the South Shore Literary Club, past national Vice-President of the Media Club of Canada, founding member of the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Writer’s Council board member, journalist for and member of the International Association of Women, Past President of the Queens County Historical Society, Milton Heritage Society member and Board of Directors member of the Queens County Museum. She founded and/or edited numerous newsletters within these organizations. She received the Governor General’s Medal in 1992 for historical writing, the Canada 125 National Volunteer plaque in 1992, the International Global Writer’s Award in 1992, a Nova Scotia Government Environment Citation in 1991, a MCC National Press Award, the first Joe Howe Festival Citation Award in 1975, a Clover Poetry Award, a commendation from the CRTC and a Children’s Aid Society First Certification of Appreciation for Foster Care. She also used her great skills to promote and help organize such events as the Ralph Boutilier Festival, Perkins House Tea on the Lawn, First Queens County International Women’s Day Conference and she chaired the Media Club of Canada Memorial Awards. During her career, she covered various Royal visits and met some of the world’s most renowned personalities. She was presented to Lieutenant Governor Lloyd R. Crouse, Icelandic Prime Minister Vidgis Finnbogadottir, Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, Lord of the Flies author and Nobel Prize winner William Golding, Governor General Jeanne Sauvé, and Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. She was mentioned by many organizations as a key member in addition to being cited as a Canadian Woman of Note in 1975 and World’s Who’s Who of Women in 1977.
In 1958, Arlyene married Clarence H. Corkum and moved to East Berlin, Queens County. Clarence, RCAF military and businessman, passed away in 1978. Arlyene was predeceased by her husband and parents, brothers Arthur G. Barrett and Ronald D. Barrett and sister Velma P. Rafuse.
She leaves her sons Lorenzo Anthony Corkum, his wife Tina, grandchildren Andrew and Thomas of Brooklyn, Queens County and her son Clarence H. Corkum Jr. of East Berlin, Queens County.
Cremation is under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. She will be interred at the Kieley Family Plot in West Gore Cemetery, Hants County, NS at a later date. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Corkum; Arlyene Gertrude Barrett
Print Obituary & Condolences
Angelena Huphman
So sorry for your loss
Valerie Inness
Dear Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew your mother through the Queens County Museum. She was a kind and lovable lady. I would meet her in the grocery stores and she would always grab my hand to make personal contact to talk. I will miss seeing her . My deepest condolence to you all.
Sincerely
Valerie Inness
freda-jim norman
so very sorry for the loss of your mother grandmother and mother in law, may she rest in peace
Nicole Labour
Anthony and family,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, keep your memories close and her love closer! You are in my thoughts!
-Nicole
Janet and George Fletcher
Corkum Family: We were sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and our prayers are with your family.
David Whynot
so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing, she loved her research at Queens County Museum. She was a friendly kind Lady she loved to chat and I know her through the Queens County Historial Society for over the years we all will miss her, she is now flying with the Angels R I P Arlylene
Shirley and Paul Neals
Arlyene was a very talented, friendly woman. Her size was petite but her spirit
gigantic. She will be sorely missed ..so very sorry for your loss! God bless..
Marie Wambolt
Dear Anthony, Tina and boys : So sorry for your loss. Marie
Christine and Junior
sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Anthony.
Pamela Foley
Anthony and family, Brian and & are sorry to hear about your Mom. You’re in our prayers, take care.
Bruce & Melanie Inglis
Anthony and Clarence, I am very sorry for your loss. I have known your mother forever and will sure miss our regular meetings at Sobeys. She was one of a kind who never failed to have a smile or memory to share. May you find comfort in your happy memories.
Daphne Ackermann
To Arlyene,s family,
Please accept my sympathy on your loss. I counted her as one of my friends over many years. We have lost a talented writer and advocate for other writers.
Daphne
Hugh&Pat Dixon
Anthony.,&Family
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Eldrige/Phyllis whynot&family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Lorrie Wolfe
Anthony, Tina and boys,
I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Todd J Hannam
Anthony and Family
Sending my Deepest Condolences
Sincerely
Todd J Hannam
Valerie Conrad
Tony & family. So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Arylene was a lovely lady & I really enjoyed chatting with her when we would meet. Thinking of all your family at this very difficult time.
Cathie Pearl-Wentzell
I was saddened to learn of your mother’s passing. She was a wonderful women whose contributions to the literary community and our community in general, will not be forgotten. Take comfort in your memories.
Barbara Burns
So very sorry to hear about Arlyene. Deepest sympathy to everyone who is mourning her loss.
Susan and Doug
Anthony, we are so sorry for your great loss, keep the memories close to your heart. Your Mom will definitely be missed coming into the smoke shop for her tickets, and the great talks we shared. xoxo
jjudyquinn
so very sorry for your loss
Barbara Redmond
How sad I was when I received notice that my dear Arlyene had passed! Over the years Arlyene encouraged my writing and we became good friends through a shared interest. What a wonderful, intelligent, and witty woman. Our inside joke was that she was going to steal Lorne away as he was just a tad taller than she. How I will miss our wonderful chats at Frenchys and seeing her friendly face.
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
To The Family,
Sending sincere condolences on your sad loss. Arlyene was a lovely lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
Sincerely,
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
Kelly Inness
Anthony and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Miles
To all of Arlyene’s family; I offer my deepest condolences. Arlyene and I shared many stories over the years, lots of which were about White Point Beach Resort and the changes since I joined the team in 1995. She was a joy to chat with and will be missed by many.
Gladys Williams
Anthony and Family
Always enjoyed talking to Arlyene at Tim Hortons and Frenchy. She was such a friendly and lovely lady.
My sincere condolences.
Darlene Connolly
Gary, Brenda, and family. So sorry for your recent loss. After having lost my Mom only six months ago, I know what you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. Darlene Connolly
Shirley Melanson
To the Corkum family,
I didn’t know your mother well,but always enjoyed our chats when we met. She was so lovable that she will be missed by many.Sorry for your loss.
Bebe & tyler Dauphinee
Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are with you and your family.
Ronald J and Carolyn Barrett along with their family
Anthony and Clarence.
On behalf of me and my family, we are truly sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Although it’s been quite a few years since we have spoken or seen you guys, I always enjoyed our trips to East Berlin to spend time with you. Arlyene always made everyone feel at home, and I always had a good time. May she rest in peace.
Take care.
Ronnie
James and Faye Conrad
sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who know her
Brenda Lawrence
To Corky, Anthony and boy’s .
So sorry to hear about your Mom
and Grandmother . She was a very
kind and interesting lady to talk to .
We had many coffee’s together @
Tim’s . She was alway’s interested
in what was going on with my girl’s
and their families . After reading her
obit. she was a very talented lady .
You should be very proud of your
Mother . Hold onto the memories .
Sincere Sympathy to you . Brenda
Dave and Liz Marryatt
Anthony, Tina and Boys
Sorry to hear that your mom passed away. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Susan Levy
So sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed talking with Arlene whenever we crossed paths.
Beverley & Betty-Jean Colp
To Arylene’s family we send our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Smith
Such a wonderful lady and mentor! I will miss her so much on our weekly chats at Sobeys. Arlene, rest in peace knowing how much you taught and influenced so many. I will miss you.
Robert and Lorraine Quinn
I first met Arylene many years ago when we were involved with the Queens County Arts Council and held a conference in the LRHS. We greatly admired her talent in the writing arts. She always sought us out during our trips to the store for a chat. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Kelly Rafuse
Clarence and Anthony
Sorry to hear of your moms passing she was a awesome lady..Keep all the good memories you had with her…
Rose Roy
To the family of Arlyene Corkum….my sincere sympathy to you . So sorry for your loss but just know she is in the lords care now and she no longer suffers any pain. Thinking of you all during this trying time.
Wendy Dowling-Roy & Mitchell Roy
Sweet little lady, you always had a kind word for us where ever we saw you…a smile, something nice to say and often a couple of giggles. To the family our sincere sympathy. Arlyene will be missed by many…
Terrena Parnell
Anthony, Tina & family.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Hold your memories close to your heart and she will never be truly gone.
Warren Weeks
Anthony, Clarence & Family;
We are very sadden to learn of the passing of cousin Arlyene. Our sincere condolence to all of you.
Thinking of you at this very difficult time. May special memories be a source of comfort.
Sincerely;
Tom & Warren Weeks
Faye Levy
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother, Arlene. We had many talks whether it was when I was at work or at Frenchy’s. She always had a story to tell and a smile. I am going to miss her.
Marianna Seamone
To The Corkum Family.sorry to hear about your loss.sending my condolences to u all.God bless u all
stephanie wilson
so very sorry to hear of Arylene’s passing, she was one of the sweetest people i know. each time we met we always had a great chat and a warm hug. she will be truly missed.
Bob and Brenda Lohnes
Clarence, Anthony and Family: We are very sad to read of your mother’s passing. Bob says he spent many good times at your home when your mother and father first moved back to East Berlin. We too will miss our talks with her whenever we met her shopping or in for a coffee. May her memory stay in your hearts and help you through this sad time.
Lynda & Richard McLeod
So sorry for your loss .
Nellie Crouse
To The Corkum Family,
Sending my sincere condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Arlyene.
Sandy Cross
Anthony, Tina, Clarence and family,
So sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Her writings will be greatly missed as she had a real way with words.
Sandy and Barry Cross
Angela Roy
Dear Anthony and Clarence, please accept my sympathy at the loss of your mother. She will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sincerely. Angela.
Pamela and Wayne Mansfield
Dear Anthony and Clarence( Corky)……We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. We will be thinking of you both during this difficult time.
Susan MacLeod
Anthony, Tina and Family. I am sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a good volunteer with Able Cable hosting a popular program called ” People of Note”. Arlene interviewed local people, who shared their life stories, and it was a welcome addition to the programming on the local channel. She also contributed to the museums and her writing skills were like none other. My Sincere Condolences for your loss.
Charlene Davis nee Corkum
Please accept my condolence’s on the loss of your mom.
I had plans each year to visit with her but life just got in
my way and now I have lost that opportunity forever.
My memories of Aunt Arylene are very fond, she always
welcomed us with open arms.
So sorry for you loss.
RoseMary Decker
To the family
My sincere condolence to the family of Arlene . She was a wonderful lady and I so enjoyed our chats over coffee at Tim’s. She will be missed by all who knew her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
RoseMary Decker
Zona
To the Corkum’s
We were saddened to hear of your loss. There was never a time that we saw her that she did not have a smile and always loved to chat and catch up.
God bless
Zona and Stephen Hatt
Eddie and Evie Fisher
To the Corkum.s family. Sorry to hear about Arlyene .our thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Bessie Harnish
To Arlyene’Family.
So sad for your loss.I remember when Arlyene wrote story on my mother Greta Harnish called ,,,Dancing Feet,,and sitting with her at times at Tim’s having coffee.She will be sadly missed.
Find comfort in memories.
Bessie Harnish & Brothers