CUTLER – Allie Johnson Corbett, 94, long time resident of Cutler, died peacefully Dec. 15, 2013, at Sunrise Care Facility in Jonesport. She was born Jan. 24, 1919, in Calais, the first of five children of Elmer and Lillian (Densmore) Johnson.
Allie’s family lived in several Downeast Maine locations, Calais, Red Beach, Grand Lake Stream, before settling in Milltown, N.B., where she graduated from Milltown High School as valedictorian in 1935. She also graduated from M.T. Crabb Business College in St. Stephen, N.B. Following a short stint at a law office in St. Stephen, she worked six years in the offices at the St. Croix Cotton Mill in Milltown, N.B.
In 1944 she married Neil Corbett of Cutler, and they settled in Lubec where both were employed by R.J. Peacock Canning Co., with Allie working in the office and Neil on a sardine carrier. However, it was their move to Cutler in 1946 which established permanent roots for their lives as a place to raise their family and contribute in many ways to a town they always loved. Together they operated Neil C. Corbett Lobsters, a wholesale-retail lobster business for 36 years. They were very active members of Cutler United Methodist Church where Allie served many years as Sunday school teacher and board member. Allie was also a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving in many offices including Worthy Matron, and a founding member of the Cutler Association.
What most characterized Allie’s life was her strong Christian faith which was woven with warmth, kindness, humility, and generosity throughout every activity she undertook. All who knew her saw the genuine interest that she had in them, their circumstances, and their families. Visitors always felt welcome in her/their home, whether a daily visit by a lobster fisherman or spouse or someone entering for the first time. A typical encounter with Allie lifted your spirits and just made you feel better about life.
She is survived by a dear sister, Harriet Love of St. Stephen, N.B.; a special brother-in-law, Purcell Corbett of Cutler and Machias; son, Bill and his wife, Judy, of Midlothian, Va., and their daughters, Robyn Sowada and her husband, Matt, of Lititz, Pa., and Amy Crosman and her husband, Justin, of Cutler; daughter, Sue Corbett of Cutler and her daughter, Alison White of Baileyville, and son, Michael White of Staunton, Va.; daughter, Joani Barber of Richmond, Va., and her daughter, Katie, and son, Jason, all of Richmond, Va.; and seven great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her devoted husband of 63 years, Neil Corbett; a sister, Doris Underwood; and brothers, Richard and Norman Johnson.
A worship service celebrating Allie’s life will be held 1 p.m. Jan. 2, at Cutler United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cutler United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 233, Cutler, ME 04626.
Allie Johnson Corbett
