Celebrating the life of Cora Mary Stinton, nee O'Dwyer.
St. Augustine is attributed with the quote that "the world is a book and those who do not travel have only read one page." In Cora's case, her book is a rather large hardback and has many chapters.
Mum's odyssey commenced in Ireland as a child to Daniel and Emer O'Dwyer and for her first decade of life she was an only child living with them in the Dublin suburbs. Just recently she was remembering time of her life in Dalkey with great fondness after she had gone back to tour her old stomping grounds preceding an alumni reunion. Her brother Frank joined the family almost 10 years later which changed much of their routine. However, she had by this point already encountered one of the great loves of her life, the love of learning.
That love of learning persisted throughout her life. Not only did she gain great satisfaction from her career, but she continued to broaden her interest in music, photography, painting, embroidery and many other arts, science, food and drink and so many other facets showing the beauty and breadth of God's world.
This search led her to others on the same path, joining with a core group of friends in the U3A with whom she shared many adventures in the later years of her life.
As a child, Cora rapidly progressed through prep school, completing her studies by age 16 after which she then enrolled in Trinity College, Dublin. Imagine; college at 16 years old! Her world was opened ever wider by other students from outside Ireland and over time she was led to thoughts of a career in dentistry.
Cora never relayed exactly the difficulties of getting into the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, but she hinted that it took a lot of persuasion from her, aided by her father's connections, combined with a LOT of hard work for her to enter and complete the school of dentistry. But complete she did, becoming the first woman to graduate the RCSI dental school.
Back in her early 20's, Cora was faced with a choice. Remain in Ireland and try to find a practice opening or head in a different direction?
Obviously, her wanderlust won out because the next chapter in Cora's book of life was titled "Moving to England for a job".
That was all coming together nicely when she met an Englishman who was getting his teeth squared away before emigrating to Canada. Apparently, an attractive Irish dentist was more enticing than the thrills of the great white North because Michael stayed in England and married Cora. They loved each other, enjoying many years together, becoming travelling companions for many of those, especially sharing camping trips and cruises.
And of course, from their marriage came Mark and Petra, who additionally brought Julie and Simon into her orbit. Each shared fun experiences with Cora and Michael throughout the world. One time, she even visited Mark and Julie in Michigan with her leg in a cast because she was not going to let that stop her trip. To our knowledge, the only continent she did not quite make it to was South America but that was only due to a worldwide pandemic that literally stopped her mid route in the Pacific Ocean.
Cora was equally happy at home though, sharing a close friendship with her neighbours next door and of course her partnership with Missy, her German Shepherd. No ankle biter for Mum; she wanted a real dog! She and Missy were partners in crime for many years and often seen walking the cliffs and fields chasing balls and rabbits wherever they could be found.
She was recently introduced to a new nickname; a "gangster granny". Apparently, this term evolved from her travels with Maggie, but she could easily have earned this in previous forays with Angela. Gangster was also a term that could easily be applied if you ever got into a trivia game or a cutthroat match of Bananagrams with her. You usually came away with your tail firmly planted between your legs after having been schooled one more time.
Sadly all good things must pass. Ever since last May 2025, when Cora travelled once again to the US for the multiple graduations of her grandkids, it became obvious that she wasn't the same indomitable force of nature that she had been for so long. Yes, the spirit was still willing, but the flesh was getting weaker.
The overwhelming image of Cora is that of a capable, competent and independent woman that lived well, loved both her family and the experiences of life greatly, gaining deep joy and fulfilment in learning from everyone, whether they be neighbours or other cultures and nations. Hers was a big world that needed to be seen and by gum, she went out there to do that.
Cora was a member of Seaford Choral Society for over twenty years and talking to other members about Cora reinforces her family's picture of a strong, independent, adventurous woman. Apparently, on a cycling holiday in Germany, she saw the Beatles in Hamburg. Whenever the National Anthem was sung, she declined to join in, claiming the monarch was not her monarch. At a Choral Society session for creating a mission statement, Cora impatiently declaimed “ All I want to do is sing!”
