Corinne M. Williams

DELMAR - Corinne Mae Williams passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Albany Medical Center Hospital C3 comfort care after a valiant battle against complications following a stroke March 14.  Born Feb. 13, 1937 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, to Anna Kuzmack Williams and Jack Williams, Corinne was a graduate of Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School, Class of 1951, The Bronx, Millbrook Memorial School, High School Class of 1955, Millbrook, NY, and earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Growing up in New York City held fond memories for Corinne including her annual birthday treat, a visit with her dad to The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, taking herself at age 9 to Shea Stadium Ladies Day held Tuesday afternoons where she enjoyed an entrance ticket for $2, and to the movies when a nickel bought admission. A quick stop with her dance skating partner turned out to be at the home of his aunt, known as Gypsy Rose Lee. While there, Corinne played with her dogs including Great Danes and Chinese Cresteds, a breed which Corinne fondly owned in later life including Mikki, Pia, Belize and Blossom. In later years, the Big Apple’s excitement of theater, opera and baseball was sprinkled with star power recollections: A sidewalk encounter with the Beatles, a shared smile in passing with Richard Burton, a cousin's wedding with Tony Bennett as the favorite entertaining uncle, a Tiki Bar experience with RFK Jr. and M.M.

After a year in the Davids Manufacturing office, Corinne's NYC life sparkled as she went to work for McGavren- Guild Agency in radio and television station advertising, mingling with celebrities including Joan Crawford and Darren McGavin. After moving to Albany in 1965, Corinne worked briefly at Siena College in accounting before being hired by the New York State Division of Naval Affairs. She began a 32-year career as a city planner in emergency management with the Office of Civil Defense and National Disaster which was renamed the Office of Emergency Management. As a planner for that department, she was called to emergency events throughout New York state. In the thick of disasters such as floods, power outages, heavy snows, Corinne directed the emergency response, coordinating volunteer agencies such as Salvation Army, Red Cross, and the Amish who rushed to provide relief with meals, clothing and supplies for victims. It was during a local emergency response which required workers to be present around the clock that Gov. Nelson Rockefeller visited the hard-working crew and saw to it that they were provided with fitting sustenance catered by Joe's Deli of fond Albany fame.

With members of her dearly beloved family of friends including Gloria Mazure, her spouse of 32 years, Corinne enjoyed extensive cruises and travels to Greece, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Alaska, and many annual treks to Puerto Vallarta, Ogunquit, Cape Cod and Florida as well as to Prescott, AZ.; Taos, NM, Montreal and Quebec City, Que. Corinne’s enduring friendships and their years of joy brighten many corners of the world.

Corinne shared her time as a Cornell Cooperative Extension master gardener, and as a 30-year member of the Woodgate 1 Condominium Board. For many years, Corinne also served on the board of Our Brothers Keeper Foundation and was remembered as a stabilizing, rational voice who worked hard to find solutions for the support group for people with HIV/AIDS. Still fondly remembered in the group’s history is the popular annual fund-raising event created by Corinne, the T-Dance at L’Ecole Encore, hosted through the generosity of restaurant owners Vince Cowan and Paul Distabile.

Donations in Corinne's memory can be made to Capital District Humane Association, 19 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065, a small dog rescue through which Corinne adopted her adored Bianca; Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave, Schenectady, NY 12302; Mohawk Hudson Humane Association, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204; or St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD, 57325-0100, a school she supported in honor of her father who was sent as a young boy from his Plains reservation to Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, PA, the first government-run boarding school for Native American children.

Corinne was an organ donor, with cremation assisted by Hans Funeral Home, Albany, and columbarium interment at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, where she was a member with her partner of 25 years, Maryluise Satterfield .  To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

"Til time stands still side by side, hand in hand, we’ve walked through wonders of the world. Our memories, now kept warm with love, play forever in our hearts." - GM 

Additional condolences:

Cindy Swadba August 18, 2024I will always remember Corinne´s gracious and welcoming smile. Gloria, sending you strength and peace.

Linda Payette August 18, 2024Will miss my friend, and my prayers go to Gloria. Thinking of our times in PTown, Camp Day, and Forever a Guys and Dolls.

Armando August 15, 2024I am very fortunate to be one of Corinne's physical therapists in Albany Medical Center. She stayed strong and fighting throughout her hospital stay. She never gave up and gave it her all. That is why I also never gave up on her. It was such a joy to see her smile every time I come and visit. She gave me a sense of fulfillment of what it means to be in this kind of profession. Corinne showed that no matter how hard it gets, she continues to work harder and SMILE all the time. Her smile that I will really miss. My condolences, Gloria, you are Corinne's rock. My Heart goes out to you.

michael sabol  August 14, 2024Thirty years of shared fundraisers, vacations, picnics, dinners and lively discussions cannot be easily replaced. Dinners at Gloria and Corinne's were delicious and magical. Corinne was a good listener and a good problem solver. She was sensitive, compassionate and knowledgeable about so many things --not just gardening and local issues but also those on the national and international stage. An avid reader! We enjoyed so many interesting and provocative discussions. She and Gloria were pure joy to be with. And that smile! Peter and I will miss Corinne dearly.

Garth Roberts August 14, 2024Doug and I were so fortunate to enjoy the company of Corinne & Gloria at the American Hotel for many years. No matter how busy I was there was ALWAYS time to visit with what I referred to as "the girlies." Thanks to Jerry Nicklas it has been an honor to make Corinne and Gloria´s friendship. Gloria, my heart is with you.

Yvonne & Brad August 14, 2024We have many wonderful memories of Corinne from island parties and other social gatherings. She lived life with passion and compassion, always greeting friends with a beautiful, inviting smile. Corinne, you will always be in our hearts.Gloria, sending you our heartfelt condolences and much love across the miles.

Michael Kane August 14, 2024Corinne was a dear friend for more years than I can remember. She was often a partner in crime in the many events we shared. She was a friend, co-volunteer and mentor. She was all things one could ask for in a friend. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Judy Mysliborski August 14, 2024Feeling a heartfelt sadness at Corinne´s passing. She was a classy and savvy lady who lived a fun-filled and adventuresome life. It was a pleasure and privilege that our `paths of life´ here on earth crossed. She will be missed.

Samuel Cerasaro August 13, 2024I still remember meeting Corinne and Gloria when my partner Richard and I were in Ogunquit. We enjoyed our dinners together in Delmar and Woodstock. She will be missed.

Jerry Nicklas August 13, 2024This is a time of great loss for all of us who knew and loved Corinne. Her warmth and beautiful smile endeared her to so many. I have treasured memories of the parties, dinners and travel that Corinne, Gloria and i shared. Thank you for the friendship, Corinne, you will be missed so much.

Rick Gardenier August 13, 2024You will be missed by anyone who has ever come in contact with you. There was no sweeter or caring person. Your smile and sense of humor was infectious. You had an adventurous life. We met in Cape Cod many, many years ago and had a beautiful relationship ever since that meeting. A cocktail or two at Tilly´s always hit the spot.Dinners out were always a pleasure and our cruise to Bermuda was the best.Thank you for sharing your life with me. I will miss you so very much.

Bob Adamski August 13, 2024I will always remember so many happy times through the years; especially lunches on the Hudson River @ Shady Harbor & "movie night & dinner" @ the RKO Quincy. Corinne will be missed greatly! Prayers and peace, always.

Chuck Lowell August 12, 2024 Corinne - will miss you always but am so grateful for our many years of friendship, all the trips to NYC, junkets to Maine and all the rest. Although sad to lose you, am glad you are now at peace.Much love, Chuck (and Wayne, too)

Mike and Paul August 12, 2024Corinne was a witty and wonderful friend. We will always remember our dinners together and her stories. She will always live in our hearts. 

Mike and Paul Bill Chaput & Rob Faraone August 12, 2024Among the things we will always treasure about Corinne are her smile, the way she took hold of life, and the abundance of memories she left behind ... an enjoyable vacation at Cape Cod, a fun Celebrity Cruise to Bermuda, season subscriptions at Theater Barn in New Lebanon, and most especially, wonderful dinners at our respective houses, as well as the American Hotel in Sharon Springs, Red's in Coxsackie, The Raindancer in Amsterdam...to name a few...plus Corinne's favorite, The Log Jam (and its salad bar) near Lake George. Gloria...our sincerest sympathies. Corinne will be missed! 

Kathy Reilly August 12, 2024I will treasure happy memories of good times and wonderful conversations with the always gracious and smiling Corinne. My heartfelt condolences to Gloria. 

Lynne August 12, 2024Not only did Corinne bring laughter, joy and kindness into my world, through her love of nature she brought the beauty of flowers and the sounds of a variety of birds to my door step. She and her love, Gloria, created a natural habitat for wildlife to thrive and for their neighbors to enjoy. For which I am so grateful to be one. A good and gentle woman who I miss terribly. A woman who enjoyed a full and rich life.

Liz Hughes August 12, 2024I loved Corinne for her kindness and generous good spirit. Each time she greeted you, it was with that beautiful smile and warm, charming demeanor. She was a woman with a fascinating life of experiences and history. But she was always interested in what you had to say. What wonderful conversations were had at Gloria's and Corinne's dining table.Dear Corinne, you lived your life well and will be so missed by Gloria and by so, so many others. 

Chris CorlewAugust 12, 2024What a wonderful woman, friend and personality! For more than 30 years of friendship, Corinne was a delight. Her intelligence, her sense of humor and her always warm hospitality were terrific. The love and devotion that Corinne and Gloria shared was an inspiration to us all.Corinne, I will carry loving memories of you always.

Tony and Katherine Lebrecht August 12, 2024Our dear sweet Corinne. How your smile and warm heart will be missed. May God´s Grace embrace you and shine down on Gloria and the pups.All our love,Tony and Katherine

Linda McLean August 12, 2024We lost a good friend and gained a guardian angel.

Fran Heitmann August 12, 2024Her home was an amazing collection of art and artifacts from her travels and artworks of her loving spouse Gloria Mazure. I will miss her beautiful laugh and brilliant contributions at dinner parties where the trials and tribulations of the world were discussed!!!

Art Parisi Ken Kullman August 11, 2024So many great memories. Always smiling and happy.Art and Ken

Vincent Cowen August 10, 2024What a sad loss for Gloria and all of the many friends who have been lucky to have known Corinne. She was such a friendly and spirited individual and our community of friends are now diminished without her. We have such great memories of Corinne from the time we spent at L'Ecole. We are saddened by this loss. Love, Vince Cowen and Paul Distabile.