Cora Jane Walag, 100 years old, passed away July 27, 2026. Cora was born in CT to William and Clara Thomas. She spent her childhood in CT, graduating with honors from Chapman Technical High School.
In 1951, she married Joseph A. Walag at the Methodist Episcopal Church, CT. Joseph was in the US Coast Guard, so the family moved around, retiring in Algoma, WI.
Cora received her Bachelor's Degree in Science (Education) at Monmouth College, New Jersey. Her Masters Degree in Education was obtained from Eastern Connecticut State College. She taught elementary grades at North Stonington Elementary, retiring to care for her parents.
Cora's passion and gift was music. Her aunt started teaching her piano at age 5. Cora further increased her piano studies, with a professional pianist. Eventually studying organ at college, she passed the requirements and held a Guild Organist Certificate.
Cora played piano and organ in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Wisconsin, most often as a church organist. She was organist at the Algoma Methodist Church for 18 years, retiring in 2008. As an active member of the Algoma Methodist Church, she was a member of the Methodist Women and the Sweater Makers.
Cora served on the Kewaunee County Board for six years. She was a substitute teacher in the elementary school in Algoma. Cora accompanied students at Solo & Ensemble for many years. She was an escort driver and delivered meals on wheels for the ADRC. Cora also was an active volunteer for the Kewaunee County Food Pantry in Algoma.
She is survived by her daughter Jane Button, Algoma, WI, daughter-in-law Carol Walag, Des Moines, WA; Grandchildren: Sarah (Adam) Hansen, Pewaukee, WI, Olivia Button, Chicago, IL, Carl Walag, Jennifer (Jared) Hedgers, Stephanie (Vyecheslav) Dunaychuk, Joseph N. (Olga) Walag, Brian (fiance Cassandra) Walag; Great Grandchildren: Yuna, Jennifer and Eric Walag, Japan, Alizavyetta, Simeon, Konstantin, and Lev Dunaychuk, Owen Eleanor and Isaac Hedgers all of WA;, Gavin Hansen, WI.; four nephews, five great nephews and four nieces.
Cora was preceded in death by her parents, Clara and William Thomas, husband Joseph A. Walag, son Joseph W. Walag, two brothers William O. Thomas and Robert Thomas, three sisters-in-law Mildred Thomas, Loretta Thomas and Eva Thomas.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Algoma Methodist Church at 1:00 PM. with Pastor Jane Sommers and Pastor Dale Eggert officiating. A social gathering will take place after the service. Interment will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.
Grateful thanks to the facility and staff at Sun Valley Paradise Estates for their diligent love and patient care. They also provided the space, and decorations to celebrate Cora's 100th birthday celebration.
No words can describe the unending additional help and care provided by Unity Hospice. They were there spiritually, clinically and socially attending to Cora's remaining days.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made out to the Algoma Methodist Church, 804 Parker Ave., Algoma, WI. 54201.
The Schinderle Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Cora and her family.
Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Cora's tribute page at
www.schinderlefuneralhome.com,
