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Corrina Waxman Obituary
A gifted writer, artist, and filmmaker, Corrina illuminated the world with her creativity. She crafted short films, photographs, prints, and countless written works-stories, screenplays, and sharp reflections on life. She earned her BFA from SUNY Purchase and later her MFA from SUNY Buffalo.
Corrina grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia. Though her family was small, it expanded to embrace fresh air kids, foreign exchange students, and a lively assortment of pets. Her passion for writing flourished at Tandem Friends School, while her love for video took shape as director of her high school television station and through her work at Light House Studio. Travel was woven into the fabric of her life; with family by her side, she explored Mexico, Toronto, Vancouver, Costa Rica, Austin, Vieques, Colorado, Maine, New York, Germany, Austria, the Southeast and Southwest United States, Wisconsin-and frequently returned to cherished places like Chincoteague Island, Washington D.C., and Canaan Valley in West Virginia. As an adult, she continued to journey to places like Peru and Europe whenever she could.
Corrina met Andy at a conference in Oregon. Years of long-distance devotion led them to marry in November 2019 and settle together in Richmond. They found joy in movies, good food, music, road trips-and simply being together.
She is survived by her husband Andrew Petrus; her mother Cherrie Radtke Waxman; her beloved dog Murray; and her cat Adarim. She was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Waxman. She also leaves behind a constellation of friends and extended family who filled her life with love.
Memorial arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making an anonymous donation to your local animal shelter, public radio station, or library. Corrina's family requests that this obituary not be shared on social media-honor her instead in the ways you personally knew her.
"Art too is just a way of living." -Rainer Maria Rilke
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Iona Leighton
May 15, 2025
I first met Corrina at SUNY Purchase, we were both in the Theatre Arts and Film conservatory. She was such a deep, philosophical and thoughtful creative who was wise beyond her years. When we did a film together (her senior thesis), I was so impressed with her point of view as a filmmaker and her desire to dive deep into the simple moments of life (she was so dang poetic). Getting to know her was such a joy! She was passionate and fearless when sharing her thoughts about politics, art and life. And it was a special treat when I got to enjoy a home-cooked meal she made me (I still remember the crispy and sweet dessert she made from a simple box of Bisquick - one of my favorite desserts I can no longer eat). She was a foodie, so I know she would appreciate this memory.
Corrina, thank you for sharing these special moments with me - I will cherish them forever. I'm sorry life and distance got in the way of us connecting as we adulted. I love you and will never forget you, friend.
And to her family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please never hesitate to reach out for any reason.
Meredith Posner
May 9, 2025
I first met Corrina at Purchase College, where we were assigned to be roommates our freshman year. We first chatted through aol instant messenger(lol) and I was struck by Corrina´s friendliness, positivity and infectious nervous energy, which I learned later to be her trademark.
When we met in person the first day, I was pretty nervous,(having always been a little bit reserved ). However, I was happily surprised at how easy to talk to Corrina was. Within minutes, it felt as though we had known each other for years! Perhaps, this was because we had a lot in common. Both of us, being half Jewish artists, with an affinity for folk music. Or perhaps our souls recognized something in each other; another outsider? Or maybe just a kindred spirit....Or perhaps Joni Mitchell said it best with the line,"Love is touching souls", because surely she touched mine. True and powerful words!, I am so thankful to have known Corrina and will miss her intensity, her humor as well as her delightful presence in the world.
Alison Kilian
April 28, 2025
My memories of Corrina start young: summer days splashing in the pool, organizing our stuffed animals (our stuffed animal "train" of cardboard boxes pictured), singing the "Carmen San Diego" theme song loudly and off-key-which we found incredibly funny. As we got older, we bonded in different ways, catching up over hot chocolates at the Mud House and sharing our love of David Sedaris books and reading in general. How I remember her: fierce, funny, and a dedicated animal lover.
Corrina, I still think of you every time I pick up a David Sedaris book-and will continue to do so. Take care, friend.
Dennis Barberio
April 9, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Corrina when she was a ninth grader at Monticello High School. She came into our TV studio with her production. I was so impressed that I offered her a position in the studio. She later became the station manager. Corrina wowed the Virginia Film Festival with her production of "Teacher's Pet." It was a brilliant take off on the Doris Day song that featured her pets. Corrina never ceased to wow people with her talented, caring and loving personality.
denny barberio
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Marissa Blanco
April 8, 2025
I was so sad to hear of Corrina's death. I have so many memories of us growing up together, especially at Tandem, and on our many explorations together. I will always remember her great love for all animals and her trying to convince me of the merits of owning a cat. She was such a kind friend through the years, always reaching out and staying in touch, though our lives brought us to many different places around the world. Thinking of you all during this time.
Iris Cahn
April 2, 2025
I remember Corrina clearly, her intelligence, drive and patient striving to understand the world through observation. Sitting at Avid stations, she would lay out the compelling research she had done to bring, for example, a southwest mining town to life, and I recall thinking how wonderfully committed she was in exploring all aspects of her subject. Not satisfied with documenting the surface, Corrina was invested in revealing larger philosophical and historical elements in her projects. Words can't adequately express my sadness but please know you have my deep condolences.
Cherrie Radtke Waxman
March 31, 2025
Corrina was the strongest person I ever met.
From her early arrival in this world at a hair over 2 pounds to her early departure she was a fighter and a quietly keen observer of everything around her. She believed, as one of her idols, Nora Ephron, that "Everything is Copy". She started to spin life into stories at an early age. Also like Nora, she opted to keep her hardest journey private, sharing it with only a few people.
While she might dwell on the dark sides of a story, she had a way of bringing light and humor to add insight to the most challenging situations. She was a director at heart, but also a wonderful writer and editor with a keen sense of weaving music with her images.
I so wish she had been given a second half of her life to continue to develop and share her strong voice with the world.
Here is a poem she wrote as a teen.
Jump
Jump into a puddle,
Splash around a little,
Stomp, and laugh, and cry.
The road you came in on is going in another direction
Stop and listen to the song that leaves sing.
Listen and listen carefully
Go away and say goodby.
-Corrina Waxman
Sopho Khoshtaria
March 29, 2025
My small sister, My lovely and kind Corrina, my heart is broken....
Rest in peace my dear and i am sure we will meet on the other side !!!
Love you
Sopho
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