Local Lass Celebrates Centennial
David J. Heintzelman, Mayor of Hellertown, PA, Proclaims July 16, 2022, Ellen E. Corkery Day in Hellertown, to Honor Her on the Occasion of her 100th Birthday!
A grand celebration was held for Ellen Elizabeth (Barrett).Corkery, who was born in Appletown, County Limerick, Ireland, immigrated to Canada and then the United States, living in Brooklyn, NY, and for the past 20 years in Hellertown, PA.
Ellen's parents, James Barrett and Elizabeth Harold Barrett, owned a small family farm. In 1930, Ellen's father decided to move the family to Canada. So James and Elizabeth with eight-year old Ellen and her little brother, six-year-old Paddy, emigrated to Canada. Ellen told a story that one of the things she remembered about the trip was that her parents had bought new shoes for little Paddy to wear on the sea voyage. He kept insisting “ I am not going to wear my new shoes on the boat, I am not going to wear my new shoes on the boat” And when they asked him why not, he said “Because I don’t want to get my new shoes wet!”
Ellen's father became a tenant farmer on a property in Quebec, Canada, north of Montreal. He eventually purchased the property. The family worked together to make the farm a success. As a young adult, Ellen lived and worked in Montreal.
In 1956, Ellen married Jeremiah Corkery, who was born in Brandon, Tralee, County Kerry Ireland. Ellen emigrated again, to Brooklyn, New York.
Ellen became an American citizen as soon as she was eligible, and one of the requirements was she had to take a test to become a citizen. She remembered that she studied and studied and knew all about American history and government. She was shocked and a little disappointed that the judge only asked her one question - Who was the first president of the United States?
She shared in the life and history of three countries but never forgot her Irish heritage, traditions, faith and family and always spoke with her distinct native Irish accent.
She has always been caring, thoughtful, kind, generous of spirit, a great cook and a solid citizen.
She has brought love and joy with her gentle manner to so many people during her 100 years.
Her daughter Eileen Dolphin, an RN, presently works as the Saucon Valley High School nurse; her husband Basil is a Lehigh Valley Hospital retired physician; their son Beck is a recent graduate of DeSales University and a Social Studies teacher at Lehigh Valley Academy. They have lived in Bethlehem, PA for the past 22 years.
Her daughter Ellen Cavallaro is a lawyer; her husband Paul, a retired banker, their children Molly, an accountant, and James, a college student at New Jersey Institute of Technology. They live in Berkeley Heights, N.J.
Mrs. Corkery celebrated her birthday at a dinner on Saturday, July 16th at the Meadow at Saucon Valley restaurant with her two daughters and their families, extended family members, neighbors, friends and special guest, Mayor Heintzelman of Hellertown! Mayor Heintzelman graciously presented his Proclamation, proclaiming July 16, 2022 Ellen E. Corkery Day in Hellertown,, in person, receiving great applause and gratitude from all.
A beautiful pillow gift displayed at the event, embroidered with “100 Years Loved” said it all!
Captions for photos: 1. The Corkery family in Ireland, 1962 2. Ellen Elizabeth Corkery at her 100th birthday party, July 16, 2022 3. 100 Years Loved 4. Party Centerpiece with the flags of the three countries.