Gloria Jean McCormick

Gloria was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and spent much of her life serving her community and loving her family with unmatched devotion. In June of 1960, she married the love of her life, Carroll. Together, they shared 54 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2014. Now, Gloria is rejoined with him in eternal peace.

Gloria’s dedication to education and lifelong learning was evident throughout her career and personal life. After moving to Michigan in 1964, she attended Macomb Community College where she was inspired by her professor Dr. Orva Ice and discovered her passion for teaching. She pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching at Oakland University, then earning her Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University, and finally her Doctorate in Education from Western Michigan University. She taught Educational Leadership as a Professor at Western Michigan University, and served as the Community Education Director at Webberville Community Schools. Throughout her career she touched countless lives and inspired both students and colleagues alike.

Gloria was a woman of many talents and passions. She was a gifted singer and proudly earned the title of Ohio State Champion as a Coloratura Opera Singer. Her love for music and performance continued throughout her life, and she could often be heard filling the air with her beautiful voice.

Her hobbies were as diverse as her talents. She was an avid world traveler, enjoyed decorating both her home in Michigan and her home in Venice, Florida, where she spent countless hours surrounded by the beauty she loved. Gloria also enjoyed quilting, fishing, and riding off-road motorcycles, always embracing new adventures with enthusiasm.

As a scout leader, Gloria mentored and guided many young people, teaching them important values of responsibility, leadership, and kindness. She was also a skilled planner and organizer, always thinking ahead and ensuring that everything and everyone was cared for.

Above all, Gloria’s most cherished role was that of a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She had a heart full of unconditional love for her family and a deep affection for animals, especially dogs. Her laugh, bright and contagious, could light up any room and was a reflection of her joy for life. Gloria leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and lifelong learning. She was a teacher, a mentor, a planner, and most importantly, a friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Gloria was the beloved wife of the late Carroll McCormick. Loving mother of Leslie (the late William) Tolstyka and John (Stephanie) McCormick. Cherished grandmother of Kyle (Kayla) Tolstyka, Aaron Tolstyka, Ian McCormick, and Collin McCormick. Adored great-grandmother of Michael and Santos Tolstyka. Special cousin of Norman and Patricia Pritchard. Dear sister of Paul (Barb) Haywood. She also leaves behind many dear friends from Town Village in Sterling Heights, particularly Mike Dorich, Linda Yapchai, and Martha McLean.

A Memorial Gathering for Gloria will be held on Saturday, September 27th from 10am until the time of her Memorial Service at 11am at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, MI.

Memorial donations in Gloria’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, (225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601) a cause that was very dear to her.

Please share memories of Gloria at her guest book below.