Corinna was born April 25, 1974.  She passed away in Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert, on December 20, 2016 at the age of 42.  She will always be in our hearts.  A special daughter to her Dad and Mom Rick and Doreen Willness of Smeaton, SK; a special sister and auntie to Cory (Shannon), Coral, Eric and Ty Willness of Naicam, SK, Colin (Cathie), Whitney, Cori and Cali Willness of Saskatoon, SK, Dallas (Lisa), Zane Ayana and Kami Willness of White City, SK, and Dave (Diana), RaeAnnon, Reese, Kolbi, Kaleb and Dane Willness of Smeaton, SK.  Every child is special, but Corinna was extra special.  We realized this at birth and all our labor of love to help her develop was so rewarding.  From early in life, Corinna was fearful of so much:  to crawl, to swing, and to even ride in a wagon.  We helped her through these fears and encouraged her not to just sit back and watch her brothers go by on a quad or a snowmobile, but to “GET ON” and enjoy the fun!  What a joyous sight it was when Corinna realized that the fun much out-weighed the fears.  It was evident by the smile on her face, her joyous “hoot!”, and her pigtails blowing back.  She loved the wind blowing in her face!  Somehow Corinna knew when it was Sunday morning.  She would go to her closet and pull out her favourite dress to wear.  God works in these special lives as well as ours.  While we were teaching her, she was teaching us!  More important than learning ABC’s was for all of us to be together as a family to enjoy, and to “WATCH OUT” for one another.  One time I (Mom) went out with a message to Dad.  I told her brother to keep an eye on her and when I returned he said, “I kept my eye on her and boy did she get into a lot of stuff!”  She taught us love comes with no conditions.  We had the privilege of learning about other disabilities and not staring but caring.  Corinna had a strong love for coffee, especially in a Tim Horton’s cup.  She taught us that if you want coffee, then go for it!  (No matter whose it is) “GRAB IT!”  And so she grew up a lovely young lady yet still a dependent little child.  Many memories have been flooding back that we are so thankful for.  Corinna never spoke a sentence in her life, but everyone that knew her was touched in a special way.  Love Dad and Mom.

Corinna grew up on the farm with her family at Smeaton, and attended school at White Fox.  Later, at age 20, she attended Carlton High School in Prince Albert, SK, and lived with the following:  Luke and Carol Gyoerick and family, Auntie Sharon and Uncle Larry Honke, the 13^th Street Group Home, and her final residence, the McDonald Group Home.  A special thanks for caring for Corinna and sharing your homes with her.  Her family would like to thank … All her friends and staff at Kin Enterprises.  We know you will miss her.  Thanks for the get-well cards with so many names.  Her close friends:  Julie R., Jesy, Amber, Sheri, Luba, Darlene, Linda, Natasha, Juanita, Renee, Rylee, also Britteny, Eva, and best friend Trina.  Just mentioning a few that Mom knows.  To the staff at Victoria Hospital, ICU, Level 4 and 5 staff who did their duty so well, and with such kindness and care.  Lastly but not least, to Dr. O’Carroll (a doctor with a mother’s heart) – Corinna loved you.  Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2017 at Nordale Hall (Nordale is west of P.A. on Shellbrook Highway).   In lieu of other tributes, donations can be made to Kin Enterprises Inc., 457 – 40^th Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6W 1A5.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

 

• Date : 2016-12-20
• Location : Prince Albert, SK