SHILLONG: A great storyteller, a creative linguist with a flair for writing, Dorothy Corrie was known for her innovative plays that stole many shows and her wards won many accolades.
Dorothy (90), who was the wife of (L) Sydney Corrie—known as an architect and designer of the major government buildings in Shillong—passed away at 7:25 am on Wednesday in Thoppumpady after a brief illness. She is survived by four sons and one daughter.
The husband Sydney Corrie, who passed away in the year 2016, had worked as an architect in Meghalaya in the past besides pioneering voluntary organisations in city. He worked in various architectural projects in the North East. He had designed various projects such as hospitals, colleges, religious institutions, office complexes and residential buildings including the residence of the chief minister of Meghalaya. He also served as president of a number of organisations such as the Indo German Friendship Association, Voluntary Health Association of India (Shillong), and Lion’s Club of Shillong, among others. He was also a former advisor of Mother Teresa and a World War II veteran and an architect with the Military Engineering Services.
A teacher to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma, while he was a student at St Edmunds, Dorothy taught with wide and varied experience. She had also predicted that Sangma would one day become the Chief Minister of Meghalaya.
Dorothy had set up a nursery school at Pune in the early 50s. She then taught at Presentation Convent in Chennai, St Germain High School in Bengaluru and St Edmunds School in the city. Her students occupy high places in various corners of the world, many of whom have given her surprise visits at her residence in Thoppumpady.
Her residence at Thoppumpady is home to as many as 21 orphaned cats along with many birds, tortoises and other creatures.
By design, 75 per cent of the fruits of the trees are left for the birds and the squirrels as she believed the earth should be shared with all living beings.
She carried a belief that if children are taught kindness towards animals, they will be instilled with the spirit of compassion and a deep love for nature. She believed that man’s survival rests on his ability to protect nature.
The funeral service is scheduled to be held at 11 am at St Sebastian Church in Thoppumpady on Thursday.
