Corda Ladd Kinzie

Corda Lee (Ladd) Kinzie, age 74, of Readfield, Maine passed away peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, November 22, 2022, the result of a hemorrhagic stroke.

Corda was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, the second of five children. She attended WK Kellogg High School in Hickory Corners, Michigan, and Dana Hall in Wellesley MA, followed by the University of Denver in Colorado where she met Tim Ladd, her first love. She moved to Maine to marry Tim. While raising three boys in Canaan and working in education, she earned a Master's degree from the University of Maine in Special Education. 

Corda in Latin means heart and there could not have been a more perfect name for her. She had the largest heart and shared it with all of those around her. Her lifetime dedication to Celebratory Education and Life and Wellness Coaching impacted people wherever she was. She developed the concept of Celebratory Learning while working for Syntiro (formally Maine Support Network).

Her leadership there was based on her development of Celebratory Learning, a method of teaching and learning that embeds brain research in differentiated learning styles, and personality types. Corda had the privilege of teaching educators in Singapore, England, Australia, and throughout the United States.

Her dedication to growth, support, and lifelong learning was instrumental in Journeys for Women (JFW), an organization that she started after completing a year-long trip throughout the United States in a camper van given to her by her Mother. She used the proceeds from the sale of the van to start JFW which funded women in their personal journey whether it was an actual trip, coursework, or other change-based opportunities. Her work in Life Coaching provided the core belief for this organization.

Corda loved being at camp, listening to the loons, spending time with friends, long and short road trips, painting, beading, using her creativity, recycling, life coaching, learning, teaching, reading to young people, time with no agenda, and gardening.  Corda also loved to collect heart-shaped rocks and they could be found all around her house or passed on to those she loved. She left special touches everywhere she went. She was known for always bringing little gifts and surprises when she arrived at your home and hiding treats for you to find after she left.  Whether it be huge packs of fireworks, sparkling rings, or delicious treats she knew how to make an entrance people wouldn't forget. 

Holidays were always made extra special because those close to Corda could expect a call at Thanksgiving with only "Gobble Gobble Gobble" on the other end and at Christmas, a "Ho Ho Ho" could be expected. The calls always brought a good chuckle to the holiday celebrations.

Corda was predeceased by her parents, Julian “Jay” Magill and Geraldine “Sis” (Higbie) Kinzie; and a sister, Sally Brooks.

Corda is survived by her partner Richard Abramson of Portland; three sons, Brooks Ladd and his wife Rebecca of Gorham, Spencer Ladd and his wife Li of Bangor, and Arthur Ladd and wife Shelby Cooper of Oakland; five grandchildren: McKenzie, Roland, Nathan, Isabella, and Maddy; two sisters, Suzie and husband Chris Burns, and Julie Kinzie; a brother, Gil Kinzie and several nieces and nephews.

Corda lived life to the fullest and touched the hearts and souls of countless people.

A celebration of her life will be held in early 2023. Updates will be provided here (CordaKinzie.com).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the The Maine Educational Center

for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf on Mackworth Island, Falmouth, Maine 04105 https://www.mecdhh.org/

Cards may be sent to: 

Family of Corda Kinzie

PO Box 444

Readfield, ME, 04355

Special thanks to the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. They created a warm and comfortable environment for Corda, family, and friends at an uncomfortable time.

In memory of Corda, Make a Gift Online to Hospice of Southern Maine.