Flora McCormick Obituary

Flora H. McCormick, 100, passed away Sunday, January 30, 2011 in Colorado Springs where she had been a resident for nearly 50 years. Flora was born February 28, 1910 to Frank and Helene Marie Samuelson, a pioneer family of fruit growers in Cromwell, Washington. Flora was the last surviving member and the youngest of 14 Samuelson children. Flora married John K. McCormick February 5, 1941. She spent 37 years as an Army wife and enjoyed assignments across Europe, Asia and the United States, two of which were in Colorado Springs. In her early retirement years, Flora was an avid golfer. She was a lifetime trout and salmon fisherwoman. Flora was a gourmet cook, an accomplished baker, and an enthusiastic party hostess. She enjoyed puzzles and music and made beautiful Christmas ornaments. Her generosity extended to numerous charitable causes and other philanthropic organizations. She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Flora was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Brig. Gen. John K. McCormick USA (Ret.); her daughter Marilyn Gayle Bowers and her granddaughter Mary Lorraine McCormick. Flora is survived by her son Col. Kenneth R. McCormick USAF (Ret.) and his wife Kathleen of Colorado Springs; granddaughter Sharon McCormick of Denver, Colorado; granddaughter Michele Hays (McCormick) and her husband David of Denver, Colorado; granddaughter Cheryl Bowers of New York City; granddaughter Suzanne Thorpe (Bowers) and her husband Jason of Warrenton, Virginia; and two great-grandsons Aiden and Ethan Thorpe. A celebration of her life will be held at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful� Chapel on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior. Her final resting place will be with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery. This loving mother, grandmother and friend will be dearly missed.