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Elaine
Corbett
Oct 7, 1936 — Sep 19, 2026
Skaneateles, NY
Elaine M. Corbett (McWilliams), 89, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully at Francis House on September 19, 2026, after a courageous battle with angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, John and Kathryn McWilliams; her brother, John; her son, Kevin; her sister, Annette Grabowski; and her twin sister, Eloise Corbett. The loss of her son and sisters weighed heavily on her in recent years.
Elaine often spoke fondly of her childhood. She grew up with her parents and four siblings in a converted camp along the Seneca River that featured just two bedrooms and a sleeping porch. The family was close in every sense of the word. Sharing a bedroom and a tiny closet with her two sisters taught her an important lesson: if something new came in, something old had to go. She carried that philosophy throughout her life, parting with family photos, wedding dresses, and old socks with equal enthusiasm. As a result, her home always reflected a simple elegance and enviable minimalist style.
Elaine was known for her striking light blue eyes, made even more memorable by the jet-black hair of her youth. She loved the color black, whether in her clothing, purses, or beloved black cats. A talented crafter and accomplished seamstress, she altered nearly every garment she owned until it fit perfectly. Elaine had a gift for making the most of what she had and found genuine contentment in life's simple pleasures. Over the years, many friends and family members benefited from her creativity, generosity, and skill.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Fagan (Brian); her brother, Robert McWilliams (Cindy); her grandchildren, Jill Denney and Brandon Fagan (Martha); her great-grandchildren, Molly Rocker, Ryan Denney, Weston Fagan, and Conrad Fagan; and many nieces and nephews. She loved each of them dearly and kept them in her prayers, even when she would insist, "Don't come over. I don't need company. You should do something fun instead."
Elaine worked as a custodian at Onondaga Community College, where she had the good fortune of meeting the Hearn sisters, who became lifelong friends. Following her retirement, she enjoyed a quiet and fulfilling life that included Sunday drives around Otisco and Skaneateles Lakes, family outings, and time spent in her comfortable apartment at Village Landing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 47 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027. The Rite of Committal and burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Baldwinsville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis House at Support - Francis House. The family invites you to sign the Ryan Funeral Home online guestbook for Elaine and share your condolences.
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