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. (https://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.