PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
IndependentsJul 11, 2019
Maine Retailer Enid Corey Dies at 93
A mother of seven, she opened Robert’s Jewelry with husband Robert Corey in 1955 and later ventured out on her own with a card and gift shop.
Madawaska, Maine—Enid Corey, who grew up in the retail business and opened a jewelry store and then a card shop, died July 3 following a brief illness.
She was 93.
Born Enid Sleeper on July 29, 1925 in Caribou, Maine, she was the daughter of Alma and Joseph Sleeper Sr., who owned Sleeper’s, the general store he opened in 1914 after emigrating from Lebanon to the United States. (Sleeper’s is still in operation today.)
She was 93.
Born Enid Sleeper on July 29, 1925 in Caribou, Maine, she was the daughter of Alma and Joseph Sleeper Sr., who owned Sleeper’s, the general store he opened in 1914 after emigrating from Lebanon to the United States. (Sleeper’s is still in operation today.)
Enid Corey
Corey spent her early years working side-by-side with her father at the store, which instilled within her a love for business that she never lost.
On Aug. 20, 1951, she married Robert Corey, whom she met while he was managing the Day’s Jewelers store in Caribou.
Three years later, with two children in tow and one more on the way, they moved north to Madawaska, Maine to pursue their dream of opening their own store.
Together, the Coreys established and built a successful business in Robert’s Jewelry, with their children—a brood that eventually numbered seven—working alongside them. Enid Corey was devoted to raising children with a strong work ethic and family values, and to setting her kids “on the right path.”
In 1978, she embarked on her own business venture, opening a card and gift store called Hi, Ma’s but some of her children remained in the jewelry business.
Son Robert runs Robert’s Jewelry in Madawaska, while son Jeff and daughter-in-law Kathy and son Jim own Day’s Jewelers, which they bought from the original owners in 1988.
Outside of work, Corey liked cooking and baking, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Alma (Meelan) Sleeper; two sisters, one brother, and a grandson; and her husband of 67 years, Robert Corey, who died in February 2018 at the age of 90.
Corey is survived by her seven children: Jeffery (Kathy) of Winslow, Maine; Jolene (James) Cleland of Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada; Jean (David) Foster of Johns Island, South Carolina; Jayne Johnston (Randy Morrison, partner) of Bangor, Maine; Robert (Sylvie) Corey of Madawaska; James (Amy) Corey of Topsham, Maine; and Anne (Douglas) Cyr of Madawaska; two brothers and two sisters; and 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Services took place Monday at Lajoie Funeral Home in Madawaska.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Madawaska, St. Joseph’s Church in Sinclair, Maine, or Northern Light Hospice.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
