Obituary of Tricia Maksail

Tricia Corbett Maksail died at home on Friday, March 11, 2011, after an extended illness. She approached her death in the same way she lived her life: with an independent spirit and a sense of irreverence. Tricia insisted that her experience with cancer was not a battle, but a journey. She also maintained that cancer was not for the faint of heart. Tricia was born February 1, 1941 in Schenectady, New York. She was the daughter of the late Frank A. Corbett and Jane (Napiorski) Corbett. She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, George A. Maksail. Tricia lived most of her life in the Capital Region of New York State, relocating first to Plattsburgh, NY and then to Raleigh, NC. She graduated from the former Mont Pleasant High School, Russell Sage College and the College of Saint Rose. She devoted her professional life to many aspects of education, and was a tireless advocate for students of Special Education and their parents. Tricia worked as a high school English teacher, speech-language pathologist, clinical coordinator, supervisor, mentor, school administrator, and college lecturer. She held positions at the former Mont Pleasant and Notre Dame High Schools, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Schenectady, Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School, Shenendehowa Central School, Corinth Central School, SUNY Plattsburgh, and numerous private organizations. She was professionally affiliated with national, state, and local speech, language and hearing associations and education administration associations. Tricia was involved with her community, volunteering for the Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Council, the Russell Sage Alumni Association, and serving as a board member of the Scotia-Glenville Children's Museum and the Scotia Committee on Housing for the Aged. She was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Plattsburgh, NY. Upon relocating to Raleigh, NC in 2007, Tricia continued to volunteer with the Triangle Aphasia Project. Her intention was to return to TAP after completing treatment for her cancer. Tricia is survived by a brother, Dennis F. Corbett, M.D. of Duanesburg, NY and his family; two daughters, Denise Maksail of Schenectady, NY and Marcy Maksail of Raleigh, NC, and her canine companion, Otis Jeremiah. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Thursday, April 7, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., (at McClellan St.). A memorial service will be held at the Church of St. Adalbert on Friday April 8, at 9 AM, with burial to immediatley followed at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Tricia had requested that any memorial donations be made to either the Triangle Aphasia Project, Unlimited, of 127 N. Salem St., Suite A, Apex, NC 27502 or the Humane Society fo the United States.