Recalling a local teacher, Irene Corbett

It was interesting to write a column about Irene Corbett when she celebrated her 100th birthday anniversary with relatives and friends two years ago. This column honors the little lady who passed away at the age of 102 years, Nov. 24.

Undoubtedly this longtime teacher outlived many of her hundreds of elementary students. She was born Sept. 14, 1909, in Tacoma and was graduated from Pacific Lutheran University there in 1929. She moved to Montana when she was 20 years old and taught at a small rural school on Bootlegger Trail. The school, located between Conrad and Shelby, was attended by 12 students.

The young teacher, accustomed to the city, was homesick but determined to stay in that remote area. It was two years before she moved to Coram, which was much closer to relatives in Whitefish.

The Corbett family boarded teachers, and it was there she met her future husband, Charles (Compton) Corbett. They were married Aug. 25, 1932, in Kalispell. She continued teaching in Coram until 1932.

Irene started teaching in Coram again in 1934. Later, she taught at Hungry Horse School, retiring in 1973. Students and parents remember her as maintaining discipline in the classroom in her quiet way.

She was active in Coram Community Church, serving as treasurer for 25 years, ladies aid member and church pianist. Irene was member of Retired Teachers Association, an Avon lady, Pacific Lutheran University Alumni Association member, and was first lifetime honorary member of the Teakettle Quilters Guild.

Her husband, nicknamed Red, died at home from a heart attack Dec. 17, 1958, He was born Aug. 6, 1910, in Cartwright, N.D., and attended Eastern Montana College, Billings. He played basketball as a college student.

His employment included driving truckloads of boulders during construction of Going-to-the-Sun Highway in Glacier National Park. He worked for Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps during Depression years. Later, he owned a sawmill, cut railroad ties and hauled timber for Earl Page Lumber Co. in Coram.

Irene was a tiny lady, and many elementary students were taller than their teacher. She was required to sit on a pillow when driving her large car. Oncoming drivers could also see the driver behind the steering wheel.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.