Corrinne Russell Despard, 88, of Daytona Beach, FL entered her heavenly home on November 4, 2018.
She was born June 2, 1930 in Hartford, CT to Thomas H. and Catherine D. Russell. She lived her early life in West Hartford, CT & Windsor Locks, CT and resided in Florida since 1990.
A graduate of Hall high school of West Hartford, CT, she later went on to earn her Associates degree at BayPath College, Longmeadow MA. She worked for the Hartford Electric Llight Co. and also as a permanent substitute teacher in the Windsor Locks public schools.
Corrinne married her beloved husband Henry on November 12, 1955. Married for 63 years, their love story was an example of what it means to love well and a picture of two souls truly working as one. She was so proud of the life and legacy she built with Henry and never missed an opportunity to tell you a story about their life together.
Corrinne was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and was active in the councils of Catholic Women. She also volunteered at Epiphany Thrift Shop for 16 years. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed baking and playing bingo. She was a world traveler, making many trips to Ireland with Henry learning about their family’s heritage.
She was blessed with a large and loving family, all whom she “loved to bits!” She leaves behind her loving husband Henry W Despard, Jr., 5 children and their spouses: Daniel and Lynda Despard, Karen and Jerry Blais, Wayne and Sandy Despard, Joanne and Joel Breton and Stephen and Karen Despard. 12 Grandchildren: Laura, Ernest, Shannon, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Curtis, Brendan, Audrey, Travis, Jason, Kayla and Addison. Also 10 great grandchildren. For Corrinne, family always came first!
The family wishes to thank Kindred Hospice for their excellent end of life care. For the past year, Corrinne had a wonderful team of caregivers who treated her with such attentiveness and respect, especially Charraun, Terri, Joan, Ayidah, and her Irish nurse Patty. Elizabeth Cooper, Corrinne’s long term care giver, devoted her time ensuring that their day to day life was as smooth and comfortable as possible. Elizabeth always went above and beyond her regular duties and genuinely cared for and loved Corrinne like she was family.
A Celebration of Life mass will be held Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 11am at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1014 N. Halifax Ave, Daytona Beach, FL. A memorial service will be held in CT at a later date.
“Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand” - Irish Blessing