Published in the March 15 – 28, 2017 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Obituary provided by Belle McCormick family
Belle McCormick with two grandchildren
Photo courtesy McCormick family
Belle Marie McCormick entered heaven on March 1, 2017 after 110 years of living life and loving her family. Belle was born in Billings Montana on May 2, 1906 and lived a remarkable life dedicated to teaching, her family and her community.
Belle began her career teaching in 1925 at the age of 19 when she rode horseback to a one room schoolhouse through the snow and cold in Montana. Her teaching ended with her retirement in 1973 from the Morgan Hill School District.
Belle’s second career involved the love of her family and life. Her home of 64 years on West Edmundson Avenue was always open and welcome for outstanding breakfasts, lunches and dinners; or just to visit. She also became proficient in stained glass artistry, caning chairs, an accomplished seamstress and an avid gardener. As an example of her zest for life, one year, at the age of 95, at Halloween she dressed up as “an old woman” so she would be a part of the celebration.
Belle loved horses and fast cars as evidenced by her long-time companion of 35 years, Pepper; and an Oldsmobile Toronado where she would leave many a male driver at a stoplight wondering “who what was that”?
Belle McCormick as a young woman
As a testament to her involvement in the community, Belle was honored as the Morgan Hill Citizen of The Year in 1987.
Belle was mother to three daughters, Mary Ellen Stratton, Margaret Escover (husband Jack) of Gilroy and Annie Saso (husband Ken) also of Morgan Hill. She is survived by nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband William McCormick, daughter Mary Ellen Stratton and granddaughter Geri Stratton.
A Rosary was held on Thursday March 9, 2017 at Lima-Campagna-Johnson Funeral Home in Morgan Hill. On the following Friday, a mass will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Morgan Hill at 10 a.m. followed by a graveside service at Mount Hope Cemetery.
A special thank you goes for the care provided by Hospice Bonita Springs and to her loving caregiver Rosie. Your thoughtfulness and love will always be remembered.
