Jessie B. "Gram" McCormick

03/02/2003

Jessie B. "Gram" McCormick, 97, of Cherry Hill Road died Sunday morning at Fairview Commons in Great Barrington. Born in Windsor on Oct. 26, 1905, daughter of Harry and Bessie Thompson Drew, she attended schools in Dalton and graduated from the former Dalton High School. While in school, she cared for children in exchange for room and board. She later attended the nursing school at St. Margaret's House and Hospital for Babies in Albany, N.Y., where she studied to be a pediatric nurse. Mrs. McCormick was employed for many years with the William Ryan family in Stockbridge. She also took care of young children in her home for many years, establishing the Hoot 'N Holla Kid Ranch, a day-care center. She enjoyed cooking, especially chocolate chip cookies, and animals. She and her husband, Joseph McCormick, won many awards for waltzing. Her husband, whom she married Dec. 17, 1927, died Nov. 7, 1978. She leaves two sons, Thomas F. McCormick of West Stockbridge and Gilbert E. McCormick of Stockbridge; a daughter, Helen M. McCormick of Stockbridge; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. A daughter, Marion E. Ellis, died Feb. 1, and a son, Carlton E. McCormick, died Feb. 2. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Mrs. McCormick was predeceased by two brothers, William Drew and Donald Drew, and two sisters, Helen Adams and Dorothy Estes. The funeral will be conducted Friday at 11 at First Congregational Church in Stockbridge by the Rev. Steven W. Bridges, pastor. Burial will follow in Stockbridge Cemetery. Visiting hours will be private for the family. Friends wishing may make donations to Elder Services of Berkshire County or to First Congregational Church in Stockbridge in care of KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 3 Main St., Lee. Mrs. McCormick enjoyed a long and happy life surrounded by family and friends. The children for whom she cared became part of her extended family and remained close with her throughout her life.

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