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Vail Daily obituary: Dona Lee Corey, 1928-2014

Dona Lee Corey, 85, died March 12 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska, with her family by her side.

She was born Dec. 11, 1928, in Canon City, to Henry and Hattie Koerner. In 1944, she moved with her family to Eagle, where she graduated from high school in May 1946. She attended Blair Business College in Colorado Springs, graduating with a certificate in secretarial studies in 1947. Following graduation Dona worked as secretary to the office manager at the Colorado Springs Regional Office of the Farmers Insurance Group, transferring to Farmers Home Office in Los Angeles in 1955.

While living in Los Angeles, she married Donald R. Corey on November 21, 1956. They moved to Redondo Beach, Calif., and then spent a year in both Japan and Bolivia where Don was employed with the federal government. In 1968, the family moved to Alaska, living in Eagle River, and then they bought a home in the Butte area. Dona graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in business education. She taught clerical courses at Mat-Su Community College during the mid-’70s and at Anchorage Community College during the mid-’80s. Dona was involved with Valley Performing Arts, co-starring in at least 10 productions. Her favorite roles were the Wigmaker in Roshomon and Veda Louise in Harvey.

She was one of the founding mothers of the Valley Women’s Resource Center and served on its board of directors for several years. She also served on the board of directors for the Mat-Su Council on Alcoholism. In 1989 she became an instructor for the AARP Driver Safety Program. She spent a year as the program’s chief trainer and six and a half years as the state coordinator. She continued to volunteer as the telephone coordinator for the program.

Dona loved to read, completing several books a week. She was a crossword puzzle addict and enjoyed playing cards with friends. She adored her grandson and always enjoyed his good company.

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Dona is survived by Donald, her husband of 58 years, of Palmer, Alaska, by son Max R. Corey of Marcellus, Mich.; and by daughter Maryann E. DePriest, son-in-law Gerry W. DePriest and grandson Kaleb S. DePriest, all of Palmer, Alaska. She also has family in New York and Colorado.

At her request, there will be no service; however, the family plans a pot luck celebration-of-life at the Palmer Elks Lodge on March 29 at 3 p.m. No flowers are requested but friends may give a donation to the Palmer Senior Center (1132 S. Chugach St, Palmer, AK 99645) or to a charity of their choice. Her ashes will be scattered in the woods at the family home.


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