Today’s Obituaries: Corinne “Cora/Reny” M. Sardella, Retired from Haverhill Schools

File photograph. (Image licensed by Ingram Image.)

Corinne “Cora/Reny” M. (Collins) Sardella.

Corinne “Cora/Reny” M. (Collins) Sardella, 71, died Friday, May 27, peacefully at home with family by her side.

She was born on Aug. 19, 1950 in Yokosuka, Japan. Cora was the daughter of the late Robert L. and Marie C. (Marcoux) Collins. Being a Navy brat, she also lived in Florida and California before her family returned to their home town of Haverhill in 1963, settling in  Ward Hill where Cora began many life time friendships.

Cora graduated from Haverhill High School in 1969 and the Early Childhood Program at Northern Essex Community College in 1983 with an Associate in Science Degree having earned High Honors. She was inducted into the Phi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

She had baby sat and worked at Academy Lanes at the food counter while in high school. Next, she was employed by J. P. Stevens. After attending NECC, she was a teacher at the Wang Daycare Center before opening her own facility called Home Learning Center. Cora then worked for the Salvation Army before being employed by Dr. Frederic Rose, followed by Pentucket Medical. She ended her career in the Haverhill School System and, upon retirement, remained active as a volunteer.

Cora was instrumental in helping build three of the family’s houses, as well as in the renovation of her daughter’s house. She was a talented artist/decorator, always had creative projects in progress and loved making puzzles. Her personal travels with the family took them to two countries and 36 states. Their favorite destination was Walt Disney World.

Her favorite role was that of grandmother to her beloved Belle.

Cora was predeceased by her son, Christopher M. Sardella and her sister Margaret E. Defeo. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Steven D. Sardella; daughter Christea M. Sardella and partner Charlie Papaefthemiou; granddaughter Isabella M. Sardella; siblings Catherine N., Robert F., Daniel J. and Thomas J. Collins; surrogate grandchildren Kathie and Jenny; niece/daughter Tammy-Jo Wilson; along with many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Cora’s Life will be held on Thursday, June 16 in the Roma Ristorante, 29 Middlesex St., Haverhill from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill.

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