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Obituary for Corrie W. Roberts
l Gillespie Wolfe was born in Columbia, South Carolina on September 8, 1928, to Lillian Allie Gillespie Wolfe and Ialous Denial Wolfe. Her parents passed away when she was very young and her Aunt Viola “Vi” Gillespie Gripper and Uncle Lawrence Gillespie in New York City raised her. Corrie married James S. Roberts on March 29, 1958. Shortly thereafter they moved to Philadelphia. Corrie continued to work in New York for a number of years, commuting daily by train for before taking administrative positions at various social service organizations including Planned Parenthood and Girls Club of America. After her two children were born she left the 9 -5 office world in order to be home with Jill and Jimmy. Slowly integrating back into the work-for-pay world, Corrie and a friend started a “side business” making and selling cheesecakes to various center city restaurants. They often employed their children to help deliver the cakes in their wagon. The business’s success lead to a cookbook, that Corrie contributed to, as well as positions in some of the restaurants that stocked their desserts. Some of the restaurants were The Fish Market, The Commissary – USA Café, and The Art Alliance. Corrie was not just a great baker but also an amazing cook and glamorous hostess. Daily meals were always full of fresh ingredients, and flavor, with her southern roots evident in many dishes but she also had a passion for unique and different flavors from other areas and countries; often to the chagrin of her family who were not nearly as adventurous when it came to food. She threw wonderful parties in the art filled apartment at Kennedy House that went into the wee hours. Thanksgiving dinner was a true event. The apartment held as many people as possible and the table groaned under the weight of the many dishes and everyone had a full bag of leftovers for which they were truly thankful. Corrie’s creative talent did not stop with cooking and baking. She excelled in the needle arts and was an amazing seamstress and knitter. Corrie made most of her own clothes when she was younger and constructed intricate Halloween costumes, party dresses and special occasion outfits for her children. Her needlework and quilting produced prolific and award winning pieces. A perfectionist to a fault with her work, her breathtakingly complex and beautiful quilts grace the beds and walls of many friends and family members. Corrie was known for her fierce and independent spirit and her unwavering support and care for family and friends. Breast cancer, a double knee replacement, back surgery and being almost blind in one eye did not slow her down. Always passionate about helping and giving to others, she was known to travel via public transportation to some outlying area of the city. She would make multiple transfers just to get to the right gift or treat for a friend. Corrie was a strong advocate for her children, making sure that they got the best education the family could afford. From ballet classes and music lessons to attending the theater in Philadelphia and New York, she also made sure that they were exposed to as much art and culture as she could manage to get them to tolerate. If Jill or Jimmy ever reported a challenge or “slight” that was even remotely unfair, Corrie was quick to pick up the phone or show up at the school to deal with the matter. She always ensured that her kids were treated fairly. Corrie was a charter member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Moles, a social and philanthropic organization with 30 chapters in 16 states and the District of Columbia. She was also a member of the Quaker City Stitchers and Quilters of the Round Table. Corrie had recently joined Arch Street Presbyterian Church and found great joy in their services, bible studies and programming. Her husband, Jim, predeceased Corrie in 2006. She leaves the following to mourn her passing: daughter Jill of Philadelphia, son Jimmy of New York, her grand-dogs Hollie and Kobe, her niece Brenda Leacock (Keith) of New York, nephew Bruce Nunery of Jersey City, and a host of friends who were as close as family.
Acknowledgements: The family is deeply indebted to the amazing and compassionate care given to Corrie at Simpson House, especially by the staff on Flanagan ground floor.
A Memorial Service is Scheduled Friday, November 21, 2014 11:30 a.m. Kennedy House 1901 JFK Boulevard 30th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club 145 Kelly Drive Boathouse Row Philadelphia, Pa 19130
or
Paws Attn: Donor Services 100 N.. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
