Obituary of Elizabeth McCormick

Elizabeth Marie (Thun) McCormick, 72, passed away at home on Thursday, December 8, 2011 after a courageous battle against cancer. Liz was born 11/8/39 in Tillamook, OR to Clark and Alviria Thun, dairy farmers in Cloverdale, OR. Liz was the oldest of seven children. On the farm she learned the importance of hard work, faith, family, and an independent spirit. Growing up she developed a lifetime friendship with Gerry Westover that was treasured throughout her life. After graduating from Nestucca High in 1957 she got a job as a secretary for the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Liz always recalled with fondness her time living with her Uncle Lee, Aunt Kenno and cousin Jeannie for the next ten years. She was able to refine her sense of humor and learned the importance of nurturing her friendships from her time living with them. After marrying, William McCormick, Liz moved to Portland in a small apartment prior to buying a home in Mt Tabor to welcome their first child, Patricia. Two years later, she had a second child Beverly. Her son, John, arrived four years later. Her children were her life and she showed her love in ways, to many to count. She brought each of her children to church from the very beginning and demonstrated a life of service. For many years she brought her three children on trips with the senior citizens at her church on a day trip once a month throughout the states of Oregon and Washington. Liz loved to have fun and enjoyed leading the seniors on trips to the beach, museums, and other local landmarks. Staying late to clean up after a potluck at church was an expectation not an exception. Her goal was to enrich not only her children’s lives but also those around her. Once her children began elementary school you could find her in the hallways most days helping teachers and making friends with many other parents from her children’s classrooms. She was an avid participant in Campfire and every summer could be found at Camp Wekio as a dayleader. Her love of nature, especially quiet streams, brought her a sense of peace. Liz relished her job as a stay at home mom cooking her mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies; heavy on the dough, light on the chips, and sending her family out with a hot breakfast most mornings. When her children reached middle school, Liz began a job at Arleta Elementary School where she thrived at being able to teach kindergarteners how to read. Many of her students were challenging but she demonstrated endless patience and wiry sense of humor. Liz found great joy in reading. If she wasn’t found in the garden she could be found with the latest book. When she joined a book club, Liz looked forward to the last Tuesday of every month to visit with friends, laugh and maybe talk about the book. She loved going to performances and volunteered for over 15 years at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts as a greeter and usher. Up to the very end, she taught many people how to die with respect, honor, and grace. Her strength and determination to live life to the fullest even in the midst of pain and heartache was a testimony of love to her children, her family, and her friends. Liz demonstrated love. She is survived by her children, Patricia (Jacob) Platt, Beverly McCormick, and John McCormick. One grandson, Collin. Aunts, brothers, sister, cousins, and a wealth of friends. We will miss her. Please leave a memory, laugh, or thought about Liz. Her family would love to hear what she meant to you.