Obituary of Vera McCormick

With great sadness the family announces the passing of Vera Helena McCormick at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, Fredericton, NB, on October 18, 2013. She was born on August 19, 1918 in Croydon, Surrey, England to Henry and Helena “Nell” Burgess. Having lost her father at the age of seven, she and her mother developed a strong bond and survived the Depression, only to have to face the perils of World War Two. In 1940, while serving in the London Fire Brigade, she met and married a young Canadian soldier, Frank McCormick, thus commencing an incredible love story which has lasted 72 years. In 1945, as a young war bride, she crossed the Atlantic, arriving at Pier 21, and settled in Frank’s home town of Moncton. There she and Frank raised two children before the family moved to Fredericton in 1956. Vera became active in the Overseas Wives Association and the New Brunswick War Brides, and began a career at the Bank of Nova Scotia, working through various positions including credit officer. An entire generation of future Scotiabank managers received their training from Vera. She retired from the bank in 1982, and devoted her life to her family and friends. She also volunteered for the next 20 years for the Dr. Everett Chalmers Volunteer Association and was a familiar face at the first floor coffee shop. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her passion and pride. Despite various illnesses, she was the vibrant center of our family. Her strength supported all of us, whatever the situation. To her last day, her concern was always for her Frankie and her family, and never for herself. Vera is survived by Frank, her husband of 72 years; her son Terry (Rosalie) of Florenceville, NB; her daughter Lindsay Bowen (David) of Saint John, NB; her grandchildren Dr. Craig McCormick (Andrea) of Halifax, NS, Derek Bowen (Tammy Thibodeau-Haywood), of Nerepis, NB, Jeremy Ross McCormick (Ashlee Agnew), of Fredericton, NB, Jill Kearney (Ron) of Saint John, NB, Colin McCormick (Michelle Tippitt) of Toronto, ON; and great-grandchildren, Sophie and Finnian of Halifax, NS, Ethan, Kole, Matthew and Hayden of Saint John, NB, Connor and Gabriel of Fredericton, NB. In addition, Vera’s close longtime friend Peggy Moir and loving caregiver Sadie Osmond became an integral part of our family. Special mention must be made to the amazing compassion and professionalism of the staff at 4 Northwest at the DECH. These wonderful health care workers made Vera’s last days peaceful. Visitation will be at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive from 6-9 pm on Friday, October 25, 2013. The Funeral Service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Main Street, at 11 am on Saturday, October 26, 2013 with Rev. Canon Bill MacMullin officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date by the family. If desired, donations made to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com