Obituary of Dawn Sharon Corkum

In Loving Memory of Dawn Corkum

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of A. Dawn Sharon Wentzell-Corkum, on July 10, 2026, at South Shore Regional Hospital at the age of 87.  Dawn passed peacefully with children at her bedside.

Born in New Germany, she was the fifth child of the late Dennis and Virginia (Tanner) Mader. She is survived by daughters, Roxanne (Thomas) Lantz, Clearland, Ramona (Darren) Penney, Upper Northfield, Gloria (John Bruce) Corkum, Ottawa, ON., daughter-in-law Sherry Selig, Upper Branch; sons, Russell (Elaine) Wentzell, Wileville, Raymond Wentzell, New Germany; stepson, Lennis (Brenda) Corkum, Newburne; grandchildren Nichole (Daniel) Goguen, Mahone Bay, Corey (Natalie) Conrad, New Canada, Ryan (Cynthia) Wentzell, Bridgewater, Christopher (Tracy Hirtle) Wentzell, Bridgewater, Rachel Penney, Hamilton, ON., Robin Penney, Halifax; Nikolas Hopkins, Ottawa, ON., Karina Wentzell and Dyson Wentzell both of New Germany; step-granddaughters Tammy (Ryan) Hubley, Beaver Bank and Brittany Bruce, Lakeside; step-grandson, Jason (Tiffany) Corkum, Red Deer, AB.; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; sisters, Faye (Darrell) Penney, Kingston, Judith (Joe) Mullin Kitchener, ON., Patricia Wentzell, Pinehurst, Diane Frittenburg, and Kimberly Smith, both of Bridgewater; sisters-in-law Thelma Mader and Ruth Mader, both of Bridgewater; brothers, Ivan Mader, Dartmouth, Ross Mader, Squamish, BC, Dennis (Wendy) Mader, Lunenburg, Richard Mader, Chilliwach, BC, Eric (Annette) Mader, New Germany, Allen (Valerie) Mader, Kentville, Barrie (Ken) Mader, New Germany.

She was predeceased by her first husband Everette Wentzell, and second husband Enos Corkum; daughter Rosalie in infancy; son Roger Wentzell; sisters Doris, Marilyn, and Carol Ann; and brothers Gordon, Theodore, and David.

Dawn was the very definition of perseverance. Throughout her life, she faced hardships that would have broken many, yet she carried on with quiet courage, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to her family. She endured the heartbreaking loss of two husbands and a young daughter, Rosalie, who passed before the age of 1. Despite these tragedies, Dawn rarely spoke of her struggles. Instead, she focused her energy on caring for others, working hard, and building a life for her children. Her determination, resourcefulness, and willingness to sacrifice ensured that her children were cared for and supported, often at great personal cost.

Dawn had a long and distinguished career with Michelin. At a time when women were often underestimated in industrial workplaces, Dawn proved every day that ability, determination, and work ethic knew no gender. She consistently exceeded performance standards and regularly outperformed many of her male peers, earning the respect of coworkers and supervisors alike. Through her dedication and reliability, she quietly broke barriers and demonstrated what a strong, capable woman could achieve.

Retirement did not slow Dawn down. Instead, it allowed her to give even more of herself to others and enjoy life. She took up golfing, she traveled and she became a dedicated volunteer with organizations that were close to her heart, including the Canadian Red Cross, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Lutheran Women's Association, and the Food Bank. Service to others was woven into the fabric of her life, and she believed deeply in helping those facing difficult times much as she had in her early life. In her golden years of retirement, she was a devoted grandmother spending countless hours rocking and singing Teddy Bears picnic or helping them feed the ducks at the Bridgewater duck pond.

Dawn was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved knitting, quilting, ceramics, and creating beautiful things with her hands. She was an excellent cook and baker and loved to have holiday dinners with tables stretched from one end of her living room all the way to the dining room to accommodate the ever-growing family.

Later in life, Dawn became increasingly involved with her church community at Trinity Lutheran. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort, and she found great purpose in serving alongside others and attending bible study. As a member of the church choir, she shared both her faith and her beautiful voice with her congregation.

Dawn knew firsthand the sacrifices required to raise and provide for a family. As much as she wanted life to be easier for her children, she understood that hardship is part of life, and she taught by example that challenges could be overcome. Her life and her actions are an example of how to weather life's storms, how to rise after a fall, and how to face adversity with courage and determination.

Those who knew Dawn will remember her not for the hardships she endured, but for how she silently carried them. She was humble, hardworking, generous, creative, and fiercely devoted to her family.

Dawn's legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit. She showed us that true strength is not measured by the challenges we face, but by our ability to rise above them.

Though she will be deeply missed, Dawn leaves behind a lasting legacy of resilience, sacrifice, faith, service, and love. Her life stands as a testament to the power of hard work, the strength of the human spirit, and the enduring impact of a mother's love.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

The family wishes to thank the attentiveness and support provided by Marjorie Russell - who was a god-send, Lunenburg County Homecare, Mahone Bay Nursing Home, and Dr. Heather Robertson and the team at South Shore Regional Hospital for their care and guidance. 

A memorial service for Dawn will be held 2pm Thursday July 16th in Trinity Lutheran Church, New Germany, Rev. Willis Ott officiating. Private family burial to follow in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Anglican Church Hall, 5311 Highway 10 New Germany, for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lutheran Cemetery Fund, War Amps Champs Program, the Canadian Red Cross, or a charity of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home New Germany, where online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com