Joann S. McCormick

Joann S. McCormick (née Harris), beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully left this physical world to continue her spiritual journey on December 3, 2025.

Born November 14, 1933, in Sandusky, OH, Joann was the youngest of three daughters. She began working at a very young age-her first job at Walgreens-growing up during the Depression and learning early on what it meant to persevere through difficult times.

Joann met the love of her life, Earl “Joe” McCormick, at a Philco Dance. After spotting him across the room, she turned to her friend and declared, “That is the man I’m going to marry.” On June 25, 1953, she did exactly that. Joe’s service in the U.S. Air Force led them to move often in their early years together.

In 1957, they welcomed their first daughter. After Joe began working for Ford Motor Co., the young family moved to Vermilion, where they built their dream home-a home Joann cherished and lived in for 64 years. Their family continued to grow with the arrivals of four more children. Once her children were all in school, Joann began working in the Vermilion school cafeteria so she could keep a close eye on them. She later worked summers at the Dairy Dock and eventually became a dental assistant for Dr. Telich (where her voice was pleasantly recognized from her early years of service as a switch board operator), retiring at the remarkable age of 87.

Joann loved traveling with her family and, though fiercely independent, she treasured the time spent surrounded by her large, loving family. She also adored the loyal companionship of her “bodyguard,” Chewy, who rarely left her lap and proudly protected his grandma.

She is survived by her children Mary “Cathy” (the late, Mike) McClean, Margaret “Sue” (Gary) Jordan, Michael “Joey” McCormick, Marsha Jonas, and Melinda “Linny” (Mike) Zielinski; her grandchildren Joshua Gibson, Alec Miller, Mathew Jordan, Brianna Jordan-Locaputo, Tristan Jonas, Samuel Garvey, Patrick Garvey, William Garvey, and Audrey Garvey; and three great-grandchildren, Luca, Sally and Maddie.

She was preceded in her spiritual journey by her husband, Earl Joseph McCormick (2014), and her parents, Lester and Margaretha (née Harris) McCormick.

Private inurnment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Sandusky.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.riddlefuneralhome.com