Nancy Loretta McCormick

Nancy Loretta McCormick, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on November 25, 2025 after a brief illness.
Born and raised in Nutley, Nancy was the daughter of the late William and Loretta Scheper and the cherished younger sister of Diane Machnik. She graduated from Nutley High School, where she formed a close-knit group of friends-Jean, Joyce, Doris, and Patty-whose lifelong bond carried through every chapter of her life. Her father, who passed away when she was just 16, instilled in her a deep love of sports, especially the Brooklyn Dodgers. She never, to this day, warmed to the idea of them moving to LA!
Nancy spent much of her childhood surrounded by her large extended family, a foundation of warmth and connection that shaped the way she built meaningful relationships throughout her life. She met the love of her life, Gedney McCormick, while attending nursing school, and from the moment they met, they were inseparable. They went on to share 65 years of marriage-years filled with devotion, laughter, adventure, and unwavering partnership. Early in their marriage, the Air Force brought them to Oklahoma, before they eventually returned to New Jersey and settled in Colonia to raise their family.
Nancy was an amazing Mom and role model to her children and she challenged them to dream big and take on new experiences in life, which they would not have done on their own. She was always a bright light and inspiration to Barry, Diana, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and even the neighborhood kids on Ernston Road!
Nancy was proud of her long and fulfilling career in nursing. She proudly attended and graduated from Orange Memorial Nursing School and worked for many years in healthcare. Nancy found great joy in not only helping her patients, but also in teaching nurses and other healthcare professionals. Her work was not just a job-it was her way of giving back to her community.
Friendship was one of the great joys of Nancy's life. From her earliest days in Nutley through every stage of adulthood, she nurtured deep, lasting bonds with the people she loved. Nancy had a remarkable gift for making others feel valued and welcomed, and her friendships were built on loyalty, generosity, and genuine care. She taught her children by example that true friendship is a treasure-something to be tended, cherished, and held close to the heart.
A woman of deep faith, Nancy was an active parishioner at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Colonia for many years, as well as St. Francis of Assisi Church on Long Beach Island. She later loved attending Mass online at St. Helen's in Westfield.
She was endlessly curious and adventurous, traveling to all 50 states-and across the world, from Europe to China. She loved meeting new people, exploring new cultures, and embracing every opportunity to experience something new.
Creative and full of life, Nancy took up painting and drawing in her 60s, becoming a talented artist. She was a member of the Pine Shores Art Group in Manahawkin and proudly shared her work in local shows. Many of her favorite pieces were inspired by her travels, her family, flowers and nature, which she adored. She was also devoted to volunteering, including her years of service at the St. Francis of Assisi food pantry on Long Beach Island.
Nancy loved to dance-whether with Gedney, her children, her grandchildren, or at weddings where she never left the dance floor. She delighted in music, especially showtunes, and approached life with warmth, curiosity, and joy. Holidays were especially dear to her, filled with traditions, laughter, and the togetherness that mattered most. Thanksgiving, in particular, held a special place in her heart, especially the connection it brought with her family in Texas.
Nancy embraced the life of a California girl before retiring to their beloved home in Manahawkin, where they lived until moving to Bridgewater in 2024.
Nancy is survived by the love of her life, Gedney McCormick; her children, Marybeth Yancey (Barry), Kevin McCormick (Diana), and Joanne McCormick; her grandchildren Ryan (Cassidy), Danny (Katie), Kyle (Erin), Micah (Kevin), Brittany (Dustin), Mavyn (Thor), and Tess (Jacob); and her great-grandchildren Brooks, Bosten, Parker, Thor Jr., Mariah, Emory, Miller, Ellis, Bowen, and Harlow. She is also survived by her sister, Diane Machnik (Ray) as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family whom she loved deeply. She is predeceased by her parents, William and Loretta Scheper.
Her life was rich with devotion-to her family, her faith, her friends, her patients, and her community. She will be remembered for her kindness, her adventurous spirit, her creativity, and her boundless love.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4–8 PM at Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave., Westfield NJ 07090.
A funeral Mass will take place at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Rahway Ave., Westfield NJ 07090 on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10 AM, with a repast to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis Food Pantry on Long Beach Island or to St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church in Westfield.