Theresa Claire McCormick

Theresa (Terry) Zimmerer McCormick was born on 6/28/1927 in Paterson, NJ to Elizabeth and Arthur Zimmerer. Terry is survived by her husband of 67 years, John A. McCormick, children, John Jr, Maureen Forster (Greg), Colleen Walsh (Brian), and Kevin (Susan), along with 12 beloved grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A dear brother, Arthur, and sister, Rita Heykoop, both reside in New Jersey.

Terry was a happy tomboy in her early years, and loved spending time outdoors and attending sporting events with her Dad. As a teenager she was stricken with rheumatic fever and suffered severe heart damage, which affected her for the rest of her life. She turned her attention to academic pursuits and immersed herself in her education at Mary Help of Christians High School and Caldwell College for Women. She graduated Cum Laude with a BA in English and Social Studies, 2nd in her class. She was so grateful for the private instruction she received from the Nuns when she was too ill to attend school. It was there that she met some dear lifelong school friends.

While she was attending college, Terry met the love of her life, John McCormick, at a social function. They were married on 9/23/1950 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, NJ. It was Orchard Street in Pompton Lakes where they decided to build their home and raise their four children. These were busy but happy years and her life revolved around family and her work. It was a wonderful neighborhood, and she had two very special friends who lived just houses away.

It was also in Pompton Lakes in 1965 that Terry landed a teaching job, first in the elementary school system, and then later in Pompton Lakes High School. (This was the only year the school system overlooked the requirement for a health physical….which she would not have passed.) While teaching full time and raising four children, Terry worked nights to achieve her Masters Degree in Education. She won recognition as “Teacher of the Year” and “Citizen of the Year”, along with many other accolades. She was completely devoted to her students, and many kept in touch with her through the years.

In spite of her already daunting schedule, Terry was a tireless champion of human and civil rights. She was always doing something to advance the cause of peace, and help anyone in need. She volunteered in soup kitchens, visited prisons, marched for peace, and in 1986, was a proud member of the Bridges for Peace delegation that visited the Soviet Union. The following year Terry spearheaded a return visit of Soviet students and translators at PLHS. This was one of her proudest achievements.

After 25 years of teaching, Terry retired and she and John started enjoying their winters in Florida. They finally moved full time to the retirement community of The Villages in 2005. In addition they were able to travel more frequently, including Ireland and large family trips to the Caribbean and Mexico. They had two special trips - to celebrate Terry’s 80th birthday and their 50th wedding anniversary. Terry let her dear friend Grace guide her through memorable vacations in France and Italy.

Terry and John were loving grandparents who reveled in each grandchild’s visit. They made each one feel special and important.

Terry continued to volunteer in a variety of social services. She was a lifelong member of Pax Christi and many other peace and justice organizations.

Still always wanting to expand her brain power, Bridge and Scrabble became her passionate endeavors. As her health continued to decline, Terry devoted more time to what became the second love of her life, the game of Bridge, and her wonderful circle of Bridge friends. They lovingly dubbed her “queen of no trump”. She continued her charitable pursuits and keen political interests until the very end.

She passed away peacefully in her home in The Villages, Florida on 7/1/2018. She had just turned 91 years young. During her lifelong involvement for peace and social justice, she had always looked to St. Francis of Assisi for inspiration. She tried to live her life as he lived his. She succeeded.

At Terry’s request, her family will celebrate her life privately.