Wanda (Rideout) Cormier

SALEM – Mrs. Wanda Iva (Rideout) Cormier of Salem, beloved wife of Michael P. “Como” Cormier, died peacefully, December 25th, 2025 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers with her family by her side.

Born in Staten Island, New York, she was the daughter of the late Ronald and Janet (Grass) Rideout. She was raised and educated in Sandown, New Hampshire and was a graduate of Timberlane High School, class of 1974.

Mrs. Cormier had been employed for over 20 years with G.T.E. Sylvania in the production department. She had also been associated with the former Electric Insurance. After her career at Electric Insurance, she became a full-time nanny, a role she treasured. For 15 years, she lovingly cared for the same family, who became an extension of her own.

A longtime resident of the city of Salem, Wanda was the ultimate “MoM”. She was active in all of their goings-on and appreciated every moment. She dedicated her life to her girls and was a fantastic role model for them. Family and friends were at the center of her life in everything she did and she was a great friend to many.

Wanda was diagnosed with cancer 30 years ago. She fought each and every day of all those years. Never with a complaint. She vowed to live life to the fullest following her diagnosis and she truly achieved her goal. The birth of her granddaughter, Noelle, three years ago marked a joyful new chapter in Wanda’s life. Every moment spent together was filled with pride, as Wanda instilled in her the same spirited philosophy she lived by—to pursue life fearlessly and without regret.

A social soul at heart, Wanda thrived on connection. She found immense pleasure in life’s simple moments—from the excitement of a bowling league to a quiet chat on the phone. To be in Wanda’s company was to know true warmth; she had a gift for making everyone feel seen and loved.

For 42 years, Wanda and Michael Cormier shared a devoted marriage defined by a rare partnership and an enduring friendship. To Wanda, family was the center of her universe, and she was, in every way, the heart of theirs.

Wanda will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her partnership with Michael, her devotion to her family and her immense love for her animals. She lived a life of connection and compassion, reminding us all to find joy in the company of others and to live without regret.

Wanda is survived by her husband of 42 years, Michael "Como" Cormier of Salem, her daughters, Shannon Cormier and her husband David Walker of Salem and Devon Mary Cormier of Salem, her granddaughter, Noelle Cormier Walker, her sisters, Ronelda Daley and her husband Daniel, Dawn LaGrange and her husband Harris and Hope Demoran and her husband Michael, all of Slidell, Louisiana, her brother, Ronald Hallis Rideout Jr. and his wife Julie of Tallahassee, Florida, her chosen family, Christina Crowley of Danvers, Lea Cormier of Newburyport, Marlene Lunt of Salem, Maureen Grimes of Amesbury and Amanda Alves of Danvers and many additional friends whom she loved dearly. She was the mother of the late Craig Michael Cormier and Renee Cormier.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral service will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Monday, January 5th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours Sunday, January 4th from 2 to 5 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Wanda’s memory to North Shore Community College Scholarship Foundation for a scholarship in memory of Wanda Cormier: Mail to 1 Ferncroft Rd., P.O. Box 3340, Danvers, MA 01923 or give online at northshore.edu/giving To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com