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Tiffany Corbett Obituary
AGE: 64 • Summit
Tiffany Kominos Corbett, 64, of Summit, NJ, passed away surrounded by her loving family on May 2, 2012 after a courageous battle with breast cancer since 1992 followed by metastasis in 2008.
Family and friends will assemble at 10 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Road (off E. Broad St.), Westfield, NJ on May 5, 2012. Visitation will be on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 3 to 5 PM and 7 to 9 PM at the Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 E. Broad Street, Westfield, NJ.
The only child of the late Fanny Courlas Kominos and Gus Peter Kominos, Tiffany was born in Johnson City, NY, where she lived until 1961, when her family moved to Livingston, NJ. Tiffany graduated from Livingston High School in 1965, Russell Sage College in 1969 (BA-History & Government) and Seton Hall University in 1973 (MA-American Studies). She was married to her college sweetheart, James M. Corbett, for 42 years. She was the loving and supportive mother of Lindsay Faye of New York City and Jeffrey Peter of Charlotte, NC. She was an educator, having taught Social Studies at Plainfield High School for 41 years, retiring in 2010. Chosen as Teacher of the Month several times, she was very involved in community service and research projects with her students, writing curriculum for the Bicentennial in 1975-76, and having her students research the lives of the16 Plainfield men who died in Vietnam and made contact with 14 of the 16 families with her students as part of the Plainfield Veterans Memorial Project. She took her experience with breast cancer to the Plainfield Public Schools, involving her students in Teens Tie A Ribbon for the Cure and the faculty in Passionately Pink for the Cure during each month of October. She was elected to the Plainfield High School Hall of Fame in 2011 as a non-alumnus faculty member. She was an active volunteer in her community, having been involved with the Summit Junior Fortnightly Club, co-writing a fundraising cookbook, For Hospitality's Sake in 1982, the Junior League of Summit, and with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, NJA where since 1997, she was instrumental in a national breast cancer charity tournament at Canoe Brook Country Club, Rally for the Cure. She helped raise nearly $245,000 over the past 14 (began in 1997) years for breast cancer awareness, education, and support, and the last few years, donations were also made to Operation Bling, Inc., Pathways and the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital. In 2002, as an intermediate 18-hole Women's Golfer at Canoe Brook CC, she took great pride in achieving what many aspire to - a Hole in One on the North Course #14. She made sure that the framed ball and plaque was visible for all to see in her house. She loved to play bridge, play golf and travel, and do needlework as well as read when time afforded it. Most important was reading the newspaper before she went to work, so she could prepare her students for the news that would be tomorrow's history. Her family will always grateful to the many friends who helped her and supported our family as she fought the good fight.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to PHS Hall of Fame - Tiffany K. Corbett Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 2689, Plainfield, NJ 07060, Attn: Martin P. Cox; Overlook Hospital Foundation, Carol Simon Cancer Society, 36 Upper Overlook Road, PO Box 220, Summit, NJ 07902-9987; Susan G. Komen for the Cure, NJ Affiliate, 785 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tiffany Corbett
Trisha Salmon
May 4, 2025
RIP to my favorite teacher.
Trisha Salmon
April 28, 2024
My FAVORITE teacher of all time. Great person. Love Always
Trisha Salmon - Class of 1992
Angela McCauley
November 2, 2023
To one of the best teachers I have ever known....RIH Mrs. Corbett
Janay Matthews
June 8, 2023
You were a very great and excellent teacher and I learned so much from you and your compassion. You done so much community outreach service reaching out to others in need. I miss you a lot and rest peacefully in Jesus' arms for all eternity.
Trisha Salmon
April 28, 2023
Always in my heart Mrs. Corbett. My favorite teacher. Love Always!
Trisha Salmon
April 28, 2022
You will never be forgotten. Love and miss you Mrs. Corbett.
Trisha Salmon
April 28, 2021
Miss you Mrs. Corbett.
Trisha Salmon
April 28, 2020
Always in my heart and on my mind. Rest In Peace Mrs. Corbett. I love and miss you.
Trisha Salmon
April 28, 2019
My FAVORITE teacher of all times. I still share great stories about you. You will forever be on my mind and in my heart. I love and miss you.
Trisha Salmon
Plainfield High School
Class of 1992
Wayne Jones
April 28, 2019
You were so funny in class, which boosted me to learn!! Nothing stodgy or boring in Mrs. C's!!
Jaclynne Callands
April 28, 2019
As a student of Ms. Corbett, who was also my son's teacher, I must say she was one Awesome teacher whose kindness, caring and loving generosity was felt. PHS Will never be the same. Today I celebrate Tiffany Corbett.
Sharon Civiletti
May 16, 2012
Hi Jim,
We were so sorry to hear Tiffany passed away.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon and Gary Civiletti (Florida)
Laura Diamond
May 15, 2012
I was so sorry to hear that Ms. Corbett lost her battle with cancer. As a 1974 PHS graduate, she was one of my favorite teachers. I had the opportunity to go back to PHS in 2006 to visit with her and to speak to her students. It was one of the best days of my life. It was clear that she was one of the greatest teachers ever. Ms. Corbett loved all her students and embraced their diversity. She always had their backs and they knew it. Ms. Corbett gave her heart and her soul to the kids of Plainfield and the community. She will never be forgotten.
May 14, 2012
I met Mrs. Corbett last year at the Lord and Taylor Fashion in WestField, NJ. I truly admired her strength. What a beautiful and intelligent woman. She will be missed. Rest in Peace.
Shirley Cromer
Angela Penyak
May 10, 2012
To The Family:
I knew Mrs. Corbett through a salon in Summit. I was an employee and she was a client. However, I always felt that she was more than just a client. She was always warm, smiling, and had an amazingly positive attitude. She endured her trials with grace and I always looked forward to her appointment. My deepest condolences and sympathies. She truly made a lasting impression on me and our salon. She will be greatly missed.
May 8, 2012
Mrs. Corbett was a dedicated teacher and touched so many of our lives. I will miss her. I know she is at peace. The service in her honor was a beautiful tribute to her life. We must continue to carry on her fight for a cure!
xoxo Jennifer DiMaggio-Ryan (PHS Class of 1984)
Robin Leigh
May 6, 2012
You were truly one of the best because you were professional, yet unorthodox. I wish you the best in the Afterlife. You will be missed greatly.
ANTHONY WILSON
May 6, 2012
TO THE CORBETT FAMILY MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR LOSS. AS HER STUDENT SHE ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO KEEP AND BLESS YOU ALL!!!
lachelle uzcateguigaymon
May 6, 2012
My greatest condolences and prayers to your family, Rest in Peace Mrs Corbett
Cindy Meyer
May 6, 2012
Jim and family,
My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to you. I remember Tiffany as such a lovely person.
Jamilia James
May 5, 2012
I never had you as my teacher but you were always courteous and warm with a smile and just from my four year encounter of you I learned that women make history just as well as men do...and if you set out in life to do nothing else you have made your mark as a historian, pioneer, role model and educator. We all have battles to fight in life so lets not see this as you losing yours but that you will now be able to conquer a new life and help so many others. R.I.P Mrs. Corbett c/o 2003
Robyn (Watkins) Al-Khabir
May 5, 2012
R I H Ms. Corvette you will be missed.
Elizabeth Jones
May 5, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Corbett for many years at Plainfield High School. My condolences go out to her family.
Deidre (Jones) Howard
May 5, 2012
Mrs. Corbett taught me history in my senior year 1989, and she was such a great teacher. She truly cared about her students. My prayers go out to her family.
Wayne ones
May 5, 2012
I will so miss Mrs. C. couldn't ask for better, more comical teachers, my GOSH!! :D Here is praying you at least tore breast cancer some new ones en route to eradicate this disease entirely!! Love, God Bless, WJ
Stacey Peterson
May 5, 2012
Mrs. Corbett, you were always committed to us as students and PHS. Thank you for all that you gave. RIP
Deborah Cox
May 5, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Corbett in Plainfield High School in the class of 1979 i will miss her RIP
Guy Dunn
May 5, 2012
I will always remember Ms, Corbett as a caring teacher who expected a lot and gave you the personal attention to make sure you did your best. She help shape many lives and i feel bless to have had her in my life. Thank God for allow us to share time and space with her in our lifetimes.
Helene Scott-Tune
May 5, 2012
Mrs. Corbett PHS was fortunate to have you as a real educator who loved the students and we the students loved you back. It has been over 22 years since I went to PHS, but you are a person I will always remember, honor and respect. Thank you Mrs. Corbett for your daily sacrifices, thank you to her family for allowing her to do so. My love for Mrs. Corbett runs deep, so I send it to her surviving family. RIP Mrs. Corbett, you fought a fine fight.
Tanya Caldwell/Owens
May 5, 2012
How I remember u very well Ms. Corbett RIP u will b missed
Benita Parks
May 5, 2012
Dear Jim, Lindsey and Jeff, May the Lord bless you and keep you during this time of mourning. Mrs. Corbet was a gift to the Class of 1984 and so many more. Be blessed
Tom, Mark, Paul, and John G. Mikla
May 4, 2012
To the family of Tiffany Corbett, I did not have the pleasure of having Mrs. Corbett as a teacher, she was our class advisors for the class of 84. She taught 3 out of the 4 Mikla brother's. That did not matter, we were all her students. She was always supportive of our class. It was great to see her at our 25th reunion a few years back. She may be gone but will never be forgotten! Our sincere condolences to your family in this time of sorrow.
Satara Nelson
May 4, 2012
I wasn't one of her students but I always heard my peers speak very highly of Mrs. Corbett. She will surely be missed. My condolences to her family.
Nadia Jones
May 4, 2012
Like hundreds of others, I am honored to say, that I was privileged having a teacher who truly cared about her students and their education. Rest In Peace Mrs. Corbett.
Holly Faraone-Algeo
May 4, 2012
An amazing woman filled with love and deep respect for her students. A gem who gifted us all with her bright and tender spirit.
Trenice Ocasio
May 4, 2012
To Mrs.Corbett I send my love and prayers...For we have truely lost a great teacher....R.I.H Mrs.Corbett.....You will be missed...The Ocasio Family.
Sheryl Klein
May 4, 2012
To Jim, Lindsay, and Jeffrey; My sincerest condolences to you on Tiffany's passing. I have known her since 1985 when I first came to PHS. We've had many conversations about our families (she loved you so), health, education, travel, bridge... and continued to correspond via email following my move to Florida. May your good memories of your wonderful wife and mother , as well as the knowledge that she was so loved and respected by so many people, ultimately help to ease the pain of your sorrow. I have been walking in her honor each year during South Florida's annual Pap Corps walkathon to raise funds for cancer research, and will proudly walk in her memory in future years. I will miss my friend and will remember her always.
May 4, 2012
Dear Jim Lindsey and Jeff,
Tiffany was a lady of many talents. I admired her tremendous energy especially in the face of her trials in the past 3 years. I remember her as a child in Johnson City...wow, that was a long time ago....
I apologize for not comeing to the funeral. My Mom, Beatrice Horsky, died just the day before Tiff. I am sad for your family.....and wish you all well in the face of your sorrow....Eileen Horsky Good...
Shaketa Stepney-Mays
May 4, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Corbett family. I was fortunate to have Mrs. Corbett my sophmore year at PHS. Her passion to teach was only matched by her compassion for all of her students. She was a teacher, nurturer, mentor, counselor and friend. She was eminently fair, honest to the point of bluntness, ever so helpful and loving as well. She was certainly a special person, and I am a better person for having known her. Mrs. Corbett is, and always will be one of my all time favorite and most memorable teachers.
May 4, 2012
Mrs. Corbett was a helpful, caring, loving person whom assisted PHS Class of 1970 with our 40th Class Reunion and a vital support with helping us locate our PHS Teachers! She truly will be missed by the Plainfield community --
Viola Gillette-Eaddy
PHS Class of 1970
Sally Anderson
May 4, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Tiffany.
She and I went to high school together and then college .
What a terrible loss. I think at our last reunion at Sage she knew she might not see us all again. She was a wonderful person in every way.
My sincerest condolences to the family.
Sally Anderson (Wyrick). Newton, MA
Jaclynne Callands
May 4, 2012
Extremely saddened by the loss of the forever memorable Mrs. Tiffany Corbett. I still remember when I went to parent teacher conference when she said to my son why didn't you tell me Jackie was your mom. Forever greatful that my son got the opportunity to experence what I did when I was her student. Mrs. Corbett has touched so many of us in a very special way and will always be REMEMBERED AND LOVED for her contributions in our lives. Thank you for taking the time to care for so many of us Plainfielder's. Will always be missed but never FORGOTTEN! Rest in Peace.Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the family.
Doris Dotch
May 4, 2012
Truly sorry to hear of the passing of Tiffany. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Joe & Dottie Gutenkauf
May 4, 2012
Tiffany was a teacher of our son's at PHS and he loved her. So did we! She was a wonderful person and one of the most competent and caring teachers we have ever known. These qualities extended far beyond the classroom and into the Plainfield community--among other things, she helped to pass the community bond issue referendum which brought about so many physical and technological improvements in our public schools. As coordinators of that community campaign, we found her help invaluable. Our condolences to her family and her wide circle of friends, former students, and community activists. We have missed her and will continue to miss her!
Melika Jenkins
May 4, 2012
Words cannot express how sad I am that this angel is no longer with us. Ms. Corbett changed my life after I had her Sociology class at PHS. She inspired me to go on and major in Sociology at Seton Hall. She taught me how to think outside of the box. I will always remember how great she was. May God bless her family.
Meryl Buczek
May 4, 2012
Mrs. Corbett was one of my all-time favorite teachers at PHS. She was funny, smart and truly cared about all of her students as unique individuals. She taught me so much and was such an inspiration to me. I loved seeing her at our 40th class reunion this past summer. I know I will remember her always. My deepest sympathies go out to her family.
May 4, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of Tiffany's passing. She certainly put up a good fight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. She was a wonderful woman and will be sorely missed.
Alice & John O'Shea (Naples, FL)
May 4, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Mr.Corbett, Lindsay, and Jeffrey. Mrs. Corbett was the most wonderful,kindest,sweetest soul loved by many and I will miss her dearly... Kimmilla Rose
Plainfield
Shana Blair
May 4, 2012
Mrs. Corbett you were my favorite teacher at PHS. I will never forget what you have taught me and what you have done for me. My prayers go out to your family and friends. You touched many of hearts including mine.
COUNTS FAMILY
May 4, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
L. E
May 4, 2012
Tiffany was a strong, caring woman; always helping others. It was a pleasure to get to know her and work with her at PHS. May God bless the Corbett family during this time. Tiffany will be missed by many.
May 4, 2012
To the family of Mrs. Corbett, I would like to extend to you my condolences on the passing of Mrs. Corbett. I had the pleasure of working with her in 2008 at Plainfield High School. She was such an inspiration to all, and just so very pleasant to know. I just want you to know that she came to work, no matter what. Some days, she really wasn't feeling too well, but she came in anyway. She was so courageous. I used to look at her and say to myself, "that is one tough lady." Mrs. Corbett was loved, and will be missed by many. Her work will live on forever, and she will never be forgotten. "I am so honored to have had the opportunity of knowing and working with her." May God bless you all in your time of sorrow. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning." "You will see her again in the morning." Take your rest Mrs. Corbett; we will see you in Heaven when we get there." Mrs. Alston, (PHS 2008-2009)
Trisha Salmon
May 4, 2012
Corbett family,
My prayers are with you. Mrs. Corbett was my FAVORITE teacher. We had many good times. She was one of the most loving, caring and understanding people I've ever met. I remember her giving me rides to school and us going to Bamberger's (Now Macy's) after school. She was so understanding of her students and did her best to help them in any and every way. I have such good memories of her and sure you do too. It was and will continue to be my pleasure in walking with you guys and supporting you in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. My daughter Jordyn met Mrs. Corbett during on of the walks and really adored her. Please know that our prayers are with you. May God comfort you in your time of need.
Love Always,
Trisha Salmon
Karen Clarke
May 4, 2012
God has added another angel to his home with the addition of Mrs. Corbett. To the family, my prayers and condolences are with you at this time, Mrs Corbett was my Social Studies teacher my freshman year at PHS and one of my absolutely favorite teachers. She had a heart of gold and a fiesty spirit. She loved and cared for all of her students and coworkers and she especially loved her family. She will be missed and her spirit will live on
May 4, 2012
May 4, 2012
My heart felt prays goes out to the Corbett family. "Remember earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal." I will always remember her support shown towards me. Grateful for inspiration and encouragement towards my children as an educator.
"Gone but not forgotten."
Coworker, Altormease Jenkins
324 Calvert Street
Whitehall, PA 18052
Valerie (Koon) Palmer
May 4, 2012
To the Corbett Family and Friends,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former teacher Tiffany. I express my heartfelt condolences to you and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I will never forget when Tiffany Kominos first came to Plainfield High School in 1970. She was my favorite teacher and I was a part of her first graduating class of 1971. I was so excited for her on her wedding day as she became Mrs. James Corbett (I have the nuptial announcement in a photo album). My four siblings were also blessed to have been taught by Mrs. Corbett. I am so grateful to her for taking the time to attend our 40th class reunion last August 2011. We were all so excited to see her after so many years.
Tiffany Corbett, we will miss you, and we thank you for giving so much of your life to the students of Plainfield High School. We will always love and appreciate you for your dedication to us.
To the Corbett Family - Thank you for sharing Tiffany with us.
Treasure the many precious memories of this beautiful wife, mother and friend who was loved by all the lives she touched. Her earthly presence will be deeply missed, but God's newest angel is with you always in spirit.
In sympathy and friendship,
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