SANBORNTON --- Lela Pearl Corbin, 82, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Concord Hospital- Concord.
Lela was born on March 22, 1941, in Laconia, NH to Carrie (Berry) and Earl Smith.
She graduated from Laconia High School in 1959, and attended Keene State College.
Lela was first and foremost a mom. She worked as a seamstress at O’Sheas Department Store and also loved her work with the Belknap County Extension Office and Community Health and Hospice. Lela was a master seamstress, a profession and passion she went on to share with her beloved children and grandchildren for years to come.
Lela was known for her resilience and love for life experiences. She raised six children and was a second mother to many others. Showing the truest form of love to all she met. She was a dedicated leader of 4H for many years, something she shared with her children and grandchildren. While there were many activities in 4H, the sheep barn is where you could find Lela during fair weekends. When she was not cooking, sewing, or spending time with her blended family, Lela could be found paddling her Kayak throughout Maine and New Hampshire. She often spent evenings with Tom at shows and concerts, something they treasured doing together. Her grandchildren will always remember summers at the Sanbornton Town Beach, as swimming was one of Lela’s favorite activities, or Christmas under their giant tree filled with joy and presents.
Lela is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, Thomson “Tom” Corbin and her six children; Jeffery Keyser, Heidi Lacroix, Carrie Grassman, Holly Danby, Charlene Brown, and Jason Corbin. Lela was the grandmother to Janell Hutchins, Brandonn Grassman, Jade Fisher, Jordan Lacroix, Drew Lacroix, Kendra Danby, Cortlynn Danby, Cassidy Keyser, Jacob Corbin, Rachel Lamb, Kayla Bosserman, and Kyle Pratt. She also had nine great-grandchildren, as well as three nieces and three nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Carrie and Earl Smith, and her two sisters, Hazel LaRoche and Earlene Smith.
Lela will be remembered by the way she touched all those she met and her life resonated a life of service.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 18 Wesley, Gilford, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lela’s memory to the First United Methodist Church, 18 Wesley, Gilford, NH 03249.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services and 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.