Zella 'Mae' McCormick, 85

Zella "Mae" McCormick received her angel wings and entered into heaven Dec. 27, 2023.

Mae was born April 20, 1938, to the late Bazel and Trola Cloward in MacKay, Idaho. She was the third of eight children and primarily grew up in Challis, Idaho. Mae loved her siblings deeply. 

Mae started a new life journey when she moved to Stanley, Idaho, at age 15. She worked there briefly, then moved to the Ketchum, Idaho, area where she attended Wood River High School in Hailey, Idaho.

There, Mae met the love of her life, Dale McCormick, and they were wed Aug. 7, 1955. She finished school as "Mrs. McCormick" and graduated from Mountain Home High School. Mae and Dale began their family in the spring of 1957, welcoming their daughter, Julie, and their son, Todd (1958). They relocated to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1967. 

Mae was very civic-minded and loved being active in the Sandpoint community. She joined Jr. Club and was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Chapter. She gave many hours to various local events.

Mae began her career in Sandpoint in the "early '70s”, known mostly as the "study hall lady" at Sandpoint High School until 1975. Her career path then changed to retail clerk/window dresser for several shops in Sandpoint: BiRite Drug, Selkirk Stationary, The Ladybug, Crystal Butterfly, All Smiles, and retiring from Larsen's Department Store in 2000.

To say Mae was a very creative person was an understatement! She was a talented artist who enjoyed various mediums of painting and crafting. Sharing her works of art brought her much joy. 

Mae was an amazing mother to her family and grandmother aka: "Gram" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her smile radiated when any, or all were near her. 

The last few years Mae became a true warrior as she faced various health issues. Through it all her love for life and sense of humor stood strong. Her legacy of love will live on; her smile and love will be greatly missed. 

Mae is survived by her beloved husband, Dale McCormick; children, Julie Knox (Rick Moseley), Todd McCormick (Michele McCormick); grandchildren Michelle Blumenberg (Fred), Brandon Bell, Megan McCormick (Amanda), Shelby McCormick (Lisa); great-grandchildren Trey, Elliana, Skylar and Daisy Blumenberg; Charles, Milina, Bobbie Jo and Naomi Bell; sister, Sue Piva (Gary) and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Her extended Life Care family and extraordinary caregivers will remain in her family's hearts. 

A celebration of life will be held in the spring; the date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Life Care of Sandpoint, or the Shriners Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to sign Mae’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.