Lucinda Cloutier
I only met Corky a few times but she left a wonderful impression of a woman who loved life and was full of fun and spontaneous shenanigans. The first time I met Corky, about 20 years ago, I had snuck away from a woman’s retreat in Lake Geneva to have a relaxing cigarette break on a beautiful veranda.
Well, it ended up not being a quiet break. I was soon joined by this effervescent talkative spirit who was instantly memorable. The more we talked the more I felt I was somehow connected to this woman. Finally, into our second cigarette it struck me and I had to ask: “This might be an odd question, but are you by any chance related to Pat Razdik from Racine?”
Corky let out her signature chuckle and said, “Well yes, she’s my sister. Why do you ask?” I replied that she reminded me so much of Pat whom I’d known at that time only seven or so years. I added that I loved Pat dearly but until then I had never met another person who could out talk Pat (and I was born into a family of BIG talkers).
Over that weekend I had other chances/smoke breaks to get to know Corky better and to appreciate her unique and unforgettable personality.
I am so sad that Corky’s last years robbed her of her exuberate independence and was controlled by forces, however well meaning, that limited her world.
Corky’s legacy is the indelible impression she left on our world and on the many people who were enriched by having known her. I feel blessed by being one of those people.
~ Lucinda