When we watch the classic movies and TV shows that defined American comedy, one name stands out above the rest. That name is Dick Van Dyke. From his stumbling entrance in The Dick Van Dyke Show to his magical dancing in Mary Poppins, he is a true legend. But behind every great man, there is often a story that begins at home. For the Van Dyke family, that story begins with a woman named Hazel Vorice McCord. She was the quiet, strong mother who raised two of Hollywood’s funniest men. While she did not seek fame for herself, her influence shaped a dynasty of entertainers that fans still love today.
Hazel Vorice McCord was born at a time when the world was very different. She lived through wars, the Great Depression, and the rise of television. Her life was not filled with red carpets and awards, but it was filled with family, hard work, and resilience. As the mother of Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke, she provided the foundation for their careers. To understand the talent of the Van Dyke brothers, we must first look at the woman who raised them. This article explores her history, her family, and the legacy she left behind.
Quick Bio of Hazel Vorice McCord
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Hazel Vorice McCord |
| Birth Date | October 6, 1896 |
| Birth Place | East Lynn, Vermilion County, Illinois |
| Death Date | September 27, 1992 |
| Death Place | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Age at Death | 95 Years Old |
| Spouse | Loren Wayne “Cookie” Van Dyke |
| Famous Children | Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Van Dyke |
| Key Grandchild | Barry Van Dyke |
| Father’s Name | Charles Cornelius McCord |
| Mother’s Name | Adeline Verinda Neal |
| Occupation | Stenographer |
| Burial Location | Sunset Memorial Park, Danville, IL |
The Early Life of Hazel Vorice McCord
Hazel Vorice McCord was born on October 6, 1896, in the small town of East Lynn, Illinois. She was the daughter of Charles Cornelius McCord and Adeline Verinda Neal. Growing up in the Midwest gave her a grounded personality that she would later pass on to her children. Her family background was quite interesting. Genealogical records suggest that her family had deep roots in American history, with some ancestors tracing back to the passengers of the Mayflower.
In her younger years, Hazel Vorice McCord was a bright and capable woman. Before she became a mother, she worked as a stenographer. A stenographer is someone who types and transcribes spoken words, a job that requires good listening skills and attention to detail. This professional experience shows that she was educated and skilled, traits that were important for women in the early 20th century. Her mix of Dutch, English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry created a rich cultural background for her future family.
Marriage to Loren Wayne “Cookie” Van Dyke
Around the year 1925, Hazel Vorice McCord married Loren Wayne Van Dyke. Loren was a charismatic man who worked as a salesman for the Sunshine Biscuit Company. Because of his job, he earned the nickname “Cookie.” The couple settled in Danville, Illinois, a place that would become central to the Van Dyke family story. Their marriage was a partnership that lasted for decades, supporting each other through good times and bad.
Life was not always easy for the young couple. They raised their children during the Great Depression, a time of severe economic hardship in the United States. Despite the struggles of the 1930s, Hazel Vorice McCord and her husband created a home filled with humor and support. Loren’s job as a salesman meant he was good with people, a trait that both of his sons would inherit. Hazel provided the stability at home, ensuring that her boys had what they needed to grow and succeed.
The Famous Sons: Dick and Jerry
The most significant part of Hazel Vorice McCord‘s public legacy is her two sons. Her first son, Dick Van Dyke, was born in 1925. He grew up to become one of the most beloved actors in history. Whether he was playing a chimney sweep in Mary Poppins or a comedy writer in The Dick Van Dyke Show, Dick credited his upbringing for his success. He often spoke about the happy, albeit modest, childhood he had in Illinois.
Her second son, Jerry Van Dyke, was born in 1931. Like his older brother, Jerry had a natural gift for making people laugh. He became famous for his role in the television show Coach. Hazel Vorice McCord watched both of her sons rise to stardom. It is rare for one family to produce two such successful entertainers, and much of that credit goes to the environment Hazel and Loren created. They encouraged their children to be themselves, which allowed their natural talents to shine.
Hazel Vorice McCord Grandchildren
As her sons grew older and started families of their own, Hazel Vorice McCord became a grandmother to a large and talented group of children. The Hazel Vorice McCord grandchildren have often appeared in movies and television, keeping the family tradition alive. One of the most well-known grandchildren is Barry Van Dyke, the son of Dick Van Dyke. Barry is famous for acting alongside his father in the hit series Diagnosis: Murder.
Other Hazel Vorice McCord grandchildren include Christian Van Dyke, Stacy Van Dyke, and Carrie Beth Van Dyke. Many of them have had roles in their father’s projects or worked in other parts of the entertainment industry. For Hazel, seeing her grandchildren succeed must have been a source of great pride. The Van Dyke family is known for being close-knit, and the bond between the generations started with Hazel’s dedication to her own children.
A Legacy Continues: Great Grandchildren
The family tree did not stop growing with the grandchildren. The Hazel Vorice McCord great grandchildren are the newest generation to carry the Van Dyke name. This group includes Shane Van Dyke, Carey Van Dyke, Taryn Van Dyke, Jessica Van Dyke, and Wes Van Dyke. Like their parents and grandfather, several of them have entered the world of show business.
Shane Van Dyke, for example, is an actor, director, and screenwriter. He has worked on various films and television shows, proving that the creative spark runs deep in the family bloodline. When we look at the success of these young artists, we are looking at the direct descendants of Hazel Vorice McCord. Her influence has rippled through four generations, impacting Hollywood for nearly a century.
The Later Years of Her Life
After her children left home and found fame, Hazel Vorice McCord and her husband Loren continued their life together. They eventually moved from Illinois, spending their later years in a quieter setting. They maintained a strong relationship with their sons, even as Dick and Jerry became busy with their Hollywood careers. The values they taught their children—humility, kindness, and humor—remained a core part of the Van Dyke brand.
Loren Wayne Van Dyke passed away in 1975, leaving Hazel a widow. She survived him by many years, showing the same strength she had displayed throughout her life. During these years, she watched her family grow even larger. She saw her sons become icons and her grandchildren start their own careers. Hazel Vorice McCord remained the revered matriarch of the clan until the very end of her life.
Hazel Vorice McCord Died
A long and full life eventually came to a close in the early 1990s. Hazel Vorice McCord died on September 27, 1992. She passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas, which was her home during her final years. At the time of her death, she was 95 years old. Living to almost a century is a remarkable achievement, allowing her to see almost all of her family’s major successes.
When a person lives to such an advanced age, questions often arise about how they passed. The Hazel Vorice McCord cause of death is cited as natural causes related to her old age. There were no reports of tragic accidents or sudden illnesses; rather, it was the peaceful end to a very long journey. Her passing marked the end of an era for the Van Dyke family, but her memory was kept alive by her famous children.
Hazel Vorice McCord Find a Grave
For those who wish to pay their respects or learn more about her final resting place, information is available through cemetery records. You can locate her memorial by searching for Hazel Vorice McCord Find a Grave online. She is buried at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. This location is significant because it brings her story back to where it all began.
She is buried alongside her husband, Loren Wayne Van Dyke. The choice to be buried in Danville shows how important that community was to her life. It was where she raised her boys, where she supported her husband, and where the Van Dyke story truly started. Visitors to the cemetery can find her grave and reflect on the history of this remarkable American family.
The Role of Danville, Illinois
To understand Hazel Vorice McCord, you have to understand the place she called home. Danville, Illinois, was a typical Midwestern town. In the 1920s and 30s, it was a place of community and hard work. For Hazel, this town was her world. It was where she managed the household finances, cooked meals, and ensured her sons went to school.
The values of the Midwest—honesty, neighborliness, and modesty—were deeply ingrained in Hazel. She passed these traits to Dick and Jerry. Even after they became rich and famous, the Van Dyke brothers were known for being “nice guys” in an industry that can often be cruel. This reputation is a direct reflection of Hazel Vorice McCord and the way she raised them in Danville.
Hazel’s Influence on Dick Van Dyke’s Humor
Critics and fans often wonder where Dick Van Dyke got his incredible sense of timing and physical comedy. While his father Loren was known for being the extrovert, Hazel Vorice McCord had a quiet wit. Mothers often shape their children’s personalities in subtle ways. Hazel provided the safe space where Dick could experiment with his creativity without fear of judgment.
In interviews, the Van Dyke brothers have shared stories of their childhood that paint a picture of a warm and supportive mother. She may not have been a performer on stage, but she was the audience for her sons’ first shows in the living room. Hazel Vorice McCord understood her children, and that understanding gave them the confidence to pursue their dreams in New York and Hollywood.
Comparing Hazel to Other Celebrity Mothers
It is common to hear about “stage mothers” who push their children into the spotlight for money or fame. Hazel Vorice McCord was the opposite of a stage mother. She was supportive, but she never sought the limelight for herself. She was content to let her sons shine while she remained in the background.
This humility is perhaps why the Van Dyke family has remained so grounded. They did not have a mother who was obsessed with fame. Instead, they had a mother who cared about their character. Hazel Vorice McCord focused on raising good men, and it just so happened that those men became famous stars. This distinction sets her apart from many other parents of child stars or celebrities.
The Importance of Family Heritage
Genealogy was interesting to the Van Dyke family, and Hazel Vorice McCord was a key link in that chain. Her connection to the Mayflower passengers adds a layer of historical significance to the family. It means that the Van Dyke bloodline has been part of the American story for centuries.
By preserving this history, the family honors Hazel’s memory. When we research Hazel Vorice McCord, we are not just looking at a Hollywood mom; we are looking at a slice of American history. From the early settlers to the modern entertainment industry, her lineage bridges the gap between the past and the present.
Why We Remember Her Today
Why do we still talk about Hazel Vorice McCord today? We talk about her because we love her sons. When you watch Dick Van Dyke dance with penguins or trip over an ottoman, you are seeing the product of Hazel’s love and care. Fans of the Van Dyke brothers naturally want to know where they came from.
She represents a generation of women who worked hard behind the scenes. They were the stenographers, the homemakers, and the mothers who built the foundation for the Baby Boomer generation. Hazel Vorice McCord is a symbol of that quiet strength. Her story reminds us that success is rarely a solo journey; it is usually the result of a supportive family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Hazel Vorice McCord?
Hazel Vorice McCord was a stenographer and the mother of famous actors Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke. She was the matriarch of the Van Dyke acting dynasty.
2. Who are Hazel Vorice McCord’s famous children?
She had two sons who became Hollywood legends: Dick Van Dyke, known for Mary Poppins, and Jerry Van Dyke, known for the TV show Coach.
3. When did Hazel Vorice McCord die?
Hazel passed away on September 27, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 95 due to natural causes.
4. Where is Hazel Vorice McCord buried?
She is buried at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois, alongside her husband, Loren Wayne Van Dyke.
5. Did Hazel Vorice McCord have any famous grandchildren?
Yes, her grandchildren include actor Barry Van Dyke (Diagnosis: Murder), as well as Christian, Stacy, and Carrie Beth Van Dyke.
Conclusion
Hazel Vorice McCord lived a life that spanned nearly a century. From her birth in East Lynn, Illinois, to her final days in Arkansas, she witnessed the world change in incredible ways. She was a professional stenographer, a devoted wife to Loren Wayne Van Dyke, and the mother of two comedy legends. Her legacy lives on through the Hazel Vorice McCord grandchildren and Hazel Vorice McCord great grandchildren who continue to entertain the world.
While Hazel Vorice McCord died in 1992, her spirit remains alive in the laughter her family brings to millions of people. She rests in peace at the Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, but her impact is felt every time Mary Poppins or Coach is played on a television screen. She was the hidden hero of the Van Dyke story, and she deserves to be remembered as the remarkable woman she was.
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