Gloria Y. McCormick

Gloria Y. McCormick, age 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 surrounded by family in her home. Gloria had lived in Wayne since 1954 before moving to Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains, in 2004.

Gloria was born to LeRoy and Marie Yereance on Dec. 23, 1927 and grew up in Wood-Ridge, NJ. Gloria lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. She graduated from Wood-Ridge High School in 1945 where she met her husband Harold A. McCormick. They were married on June 24, 1951 at the Presbyterian Church of Wood-Ridge. In 1954, they moved to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne and began to raise a family. They were blessed with three children; Nancy, Mark, and Gail. Gloria and Harold enjoyed fifty-one years together before Harold passed away in 2002.

She pursued higher education with passion, earning a BA in Special Education in 1974, a Master’s in Special Education in 1977, and a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling in 1986 from William Paterson University.

Her career in education spanned many years, including 15 years teaching Special Education in Wayne and 10 years as an Education Supervisor at Montclair State University and William Paterson University. Gloria’s dedication to teaching was recognized with the Governor’s “Excellence in Teaching” Award.

Gloria was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Women Education Association (WEA), Passaic County Education Association (PCEA), New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) Theta Chapter, and Alpha Zeta State. She was a member of Packanack Community Church for 40 years and served as a member and secretary of the board of directors for the Willing Hands workshop.

Her commitment to helping others extended to her role as a host parent and fundraiser for Healing the Children for 15 years, and as a member and secretary of the board of directors for Medical Missions for Children. Gloria also volunteered as a counselor and trainer for CONTACT and was involved in the Social Action Committee of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Greater Wayne Area Branch.

In her later years, Gloria was an active member of the Cedar Crest Chorale, Diversity Team, Resident Life Committee, Getting to Know You Committee, SOS Christmas Committee, and the Protestant Community Congregation.

Gloria was an exceptionally loving and kind-hearted individual. Her optimism was unwavering, and she always went out of her way to help everyone around her. She had an adventurous spirit and cherished traveling with her beloved husband, Harold (2002). It’s impossible to describe the light she brought to the lives of all who knew her. 

She is survived by her daughter Gail and son-in-law Rob, son Mark and daughter-in-law Lisa; her grandchildren Rachael, Anna and Dan, Ryan and Grace, and Jason; and her great grandchildren Emma, Quinn, Jack, and Alexandra. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Harold (2002), by their daughter Nancy (2001), by her brother LeRoy (Lee), and son-in-law Craig.

Gloria’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to education and service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.