Obituary of Ellen Corbett

CORBETT, J. Ellen Pictou Jean “Ellen” (MacNaughton) Corbett passed away on August 31, 2023 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital. Ellen was born November 14, 1948, in New Glasgow and was the daughter of Lester and Rose (Mitchell), Trenton. Besides her mother, Rose, Ellen is survived by her husband, Barry; sister, Adele and brother-in-Law, Ivon; nephews, Brett, Jace and Keith; nieces, Kiara and Lexus. Predeceased by her father, Lester; brother, Harvey; stepfather, George Ross; grandparents, Harry and Jennie MacNaughton, Harvey and Belle Mitchell; father & mother-in-law, Wallace and Wanita and brother-in-law, Craig. Ellen worked for the Pictou Antigonish Regional Library on the Bookmobile. She would often reminisce about her many trips throughout rural Pictou and Antigonish Counties and what joy the Bookmobile brought to the locals in each area. She enjoyed her career with the former Chignecto Central Regional School Board as Librarian retiring from Northumberland Regional High School. She loved working with adults and students. A prolific reader, she was a walking encyclopedia of books and would be able to direct inquiries to the correct book, poem, or author. Ellen loved her work because she was in her niche…surrounded by books and surrounded by people who loved to read. A constant learner, she went to school in Trenton and graduated from East Pictou High School. She continued to upgrade her education in Library Information Technology and was called upon throughout her career to restructure school libraries, organize staff training and teach library skills to both students and adults. A dedicated volunteer, she was a board member for the Sutherland-Harris Hospital Foundation, served as Chairperson for the Pictou West Community Health Board and a Member of Council of Chairs Provincial Health Board, I.O.D.E member, taught Sunday School and volunteered in the church library. The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Park, 5th floor Transitional Care staff at Aberdeen Hospital and the VON for their dedicated care. There will be no visitation. A graveside service for family and friends will be held 2PM Tuesday, September 5, at the Hillside Cemetery, Trenton, with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. In lieu of flowers donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to the Pictou United Church or a charity of your choice.