CoraLee (Nicholson) Webb

Feb 19, 1940 -

Sep 6, 2020

Cora Lee left us unexpectedly on Sept. 6, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by her two boys and daughter-in-law, after falling severely ill.

Born on Feb. 19, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, at Methodist Hospital to Marlan W. and Edith Lee (Hanson) Nicholson, she was raised on a family farm just outside of Des Moines in Spring Hill, where she attended a one-room school house. She had a love of all animals, but especially horses. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. Cora Lee received her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Arizona and her Masters in Education from the University of Florida.

She taught elementary school in Phoenix, Ariz., Albert Lea, Minn., and Anchorage before retiring in 1996. Many of her years in teaching were at Chinook Elementary. She also worked in real estate and public relations.

Cora Lee came to Alaska in 1966 to attend her cousins wedding in Denali, she ended up staying, meeting her husband, raising their two sons and teaching elementary for more than 20 years before retiring. She was continually going back and forth between her home in Anchorage and cabin in Willow.

She was deeply involved in her community. She was a PEO Sister for more than 50 years and was an active member of the Willow United Methodist Church.

Cora Lee was a dedicated grandmother, constantly convincing others to invest in stocks, never missed a horse race, recorded every football and baseball game, loved old westerns, went to every bazaar between Anchorage and Willow. She was constantly on the go and couldn't be stopped. Her infectious smile, encouraging words and energetic attitude will never be forgotten.

Cora Lee is proceeded in death by her parents; grandparents; and her only brother, Charles Nicholson. She is survived by her husband, Gary "Mike" Webb; sons, Kemp (Natasha) Webb and Jeffery Webb; six grandchildren; great-grandson; along with sister-in-law, Linda Nicholson; two nephews; cousins, Ree Nancarow and Karla (Chalan) Harris; and many more friends she considered family.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of life will be postponed until summer of 2021. The family will also be remembering Cora Lee with a donation to American Liver Foundation. The family welcomes contributions to an organization of your choice in her name, as an expression of sympathy.