Peggy McCormack, 84, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2015. Peggy was the elder of two girls born to Charles William & Irene Carrick Kemp. Her early years were spent in both Spirit Lake, ID, and in Clarkston, and her adolescence on the west coast in Washington. After college graduation, she married Clarence (“Larry”) McCormack in 1952 and spent a happy life with him in Seattle where he predeceased her in 2007.
Peggy was a gifted musician and also a person born with what she described as an intense “need to know” (which included almost everything in very diverse areas of study and skill). This resulted in numerous recognitions, as well as degrees from Centralia College and Washington State (WSC) and a master’s degree from the University of Washington. Before retirement, she was presented with a Lifelong Learning Award by Seattle Community College, where she spent most of her career as an instructor in Early Childhood Education and as an instructor for the Parent Cooperative Preschools in this area. Working with students, children, teachers, parents and families was a great joy to her throughout her career.
Peggy began playing the piano for church at the age of 8, and spent much of her childhood and adolescence accompanying her sister, a flautist. They were well-known and won many contests in the Pacific Northwest. She continued to be extremely active throughout her adult life in the United Methodist Church as both an organist and a handbell choir director. She was also a church historian and an avid member of the Historical Society and of the Archives and History Commission of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the UMC. At various times, Peg was also a leader in Camp Fire; a national registered parliamentarian; and always a musician. She and a dear friend directed children and youth in several musical productions of Bible stories in the West Seattle / Burien areas for a number of different years, and, as well, directed Christmas caroling by Camp Fire members at Southcenter Mall for many years. Peggy continued to pursue multiple diverse passions with humor and joy as long as she was able, and always, whatever she did was in service to her Lord.
Peg is survived by her daughter, Katharine E. McCormack of Seattle; son, Bruce A. McCormack (Julie) of Seattle; niece, Irene Arnold Kozumplik (Bob) of Frederic, Wisconsin; nephew, D. Scott Arnold of Frederic, Wisconsin; and numerous extended family members. She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, her sister Patricia Irene Kemp Sevey, and niece Julie Anne Arnold. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highline United Methodist Church Music Department or to the PNW Conference of the United Methodist Church (Archives & History), PO Box 13650; Des Moines, WA 98198.
A memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 30th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Highline United Methodist Church, 13015 1st Ave. S., Burien.
Published in The West Seattle Section of The Westside Weekly May 22, 2015
