Corinne Joy Stone

Different Does Not Mean Less

My beloved daughter, Corinne, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024 – a week away from her 60th birthday. Corinne was born with a genetic defect, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, (CdLS) which left her with a profound intellectual disability and eventual blindness.

Because of our family’s love for Corinne, we learned that even though it is sometimes stressful, and yes, even inconvenient, to help and support those who have challenges with life – it is important to give your time and your love to those in need. Though, as all humans, we often fall short in this regard. Corinne was always there pushing us on, although unwittingly, to be more patient, more compassionate and more understanding.

She loved twiddling different objects, pony rides, riding in the car with the windows down so she could stick her hand out, trips to Kimball’s Ice Cream, music, and dancing. Her favorite recent twiddling object was Gumby – a constant companion she held tight in her hand. Recently, she found out how to make raspberries which delighted all she met. Many have told me she made their day!

And so, even though Corinne was different and had challenges with her life and her health, she made an impact, not just for our immediate family, but for all she came in contact with.

I can only hope that the meaning of her life is found in her death. Corinne made me a better person and I hope that in continuing her story, she will help make all of us a better and more compassionate people.

Corinne Joy Stone was born in Arlington, Mass on August 20, 1964 and passed away on August 13, 2024, a few days short of her 60th birthday. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Stone of Pepperell, MA and her sister, Donna Stone of Ayer, MA, and dear friend & caregiver, Kim Guy. She is predeceased by her father, Claude F. Stone, Jr. of Watertown and her brother Eugene Scott Stone of Salem, NH, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services will be held in the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main St., (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Visitation will be held from 11 am – 12 pm, with a funeral service to follow. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 40 Heald St., Pepperell, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to:

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation (USA) 
302 West Main St., #100 
Aron, CT 06001-3681 

or 

Where Corinne enjoyed therapeutic riding at: 
Horse Power 
233 Old Temple Road 
Lyndeborough, NH 03082