In Memory

Margaret La Rue Johnson (Corkett) - Class Of 1931

Margaret "Margo" LaRue Johnson Corkett passed away peacefully at her home in Balboa on Wednesday, January 20, 2010.  She was 96 years old.

A native Californian, born May 31, 1913 to William and Irene Johnson in Riverside, California, the family later moved to San Marino in 1927.  Margaret attended high school in South Pasadena and later graduated from the University of Southern California in 1935 with a degree in education.  On July 10, 1937, Margaret married Earl G. Corkett and they started their happy married lives ranching in Vista, California and continuing in Azusa where they began raising their family.  In 1954 they moved full time to the family summer home on Newport Bay where they could truly enjoy being close to the water and sailing.  Margo, as she was most fondly known, could be seen swimming daily in the bay into her 90s.

Margo was a warm, compassionate person, who quietly gave to others.  She always had time to listen, time for a kind word, and a smile for everyone.  Her home was the true foundation for many happy memories.  She lived her life as an inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with grace, inegrity, and kindness.  Margaret gave her time and energy to being a member of the Trojan League of Orange County, Philharmonic Society, South Coast Alumnae Club Pi Beta Phi, Daughters of the American Revolution, P.E.O. Chapter NQ, Sherman Library and Gardens, Assistance League, and other philanthropic organizations.  She was also a member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club since 1947.

Margaret is survived by her twin sons, William J. Corkett and Thomas C. Corkett (Evan); daughter Nancy Corkett Myers (Gary); granddaughers, Debbie Johnson, Stefanie Kristainsen (Erik), Cindy Van Guilder (Kyle), and Ashley Knott (Ryan); and grandsons, Thomas Corkett Jr (Malou), Stephen Myers (Heidi), Daniel Myers (Sarah), and Andrew Myers; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

The Orange County Register, January 26, 2010