Evanston Obituary: Nancy McCormick

EVANSTON, IL — Nancy Hoskinson McCormick, a lifelong philanthropist and supporter of arts and education at Northwestern University and around the country, has died at the age of 97.

“Nancy McCormick was a remarkable woman whose influence and impact will continue to be felt at Northwestern and many other institutions,” Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro said.

“Her generosity and leadership have benefited Northwestern’s libraries tremendously as well as other areas of the University. She will be missed and remembered fondly by all of us who knew her.”

“Mrs. McCormick was a wonderful lady: kind, thoughtful and generous,” said McCormick’s cousin Stephen Strachan, who currently chairs the Libraries’ Board of Governors.

“She cared deeply for Northwestern University Library, not only for her family’s history and involvement, but also for the impact that the library has on the University as a whole. We are all deeply indebted to her support of Northwestern and her remarkable philanthropy. We will miss her very much.”

Nancy McCormick was born Nov. 11, 1919, in Washington, D.C., to parents Mabel Louise Fitch Hoskinson and Hilleary Gibbons Hoskinson, senior vice president of Riggs National Bank. She graduated in 1938 from Holton Arms School, an independent school for girls that celebrated generosity among its students and alumni. She worked as a model until her marriage to Charles Deering McCormick in 1947.

Nancy McCormick was dedicated to enhancing the legacy her family built. In addition to their gifts and support to Northwestern, Nancy and Charles Deering McCormick also were benefactors of the Art Institute of Chicago; Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts; The Deering Estate at Cutler; Vizcaya Museum and Gardens; and Planned Parenthood.

Nancy McCormick is survived by her granddaughter, Nancy, who serves on the Northwestern University Libraries Board of Governors; great-grandchildren Sebastian and Cyra; daughter-in-law Katherine McCormick; and many nieces and nephews. Services will take place Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Miami, and interment will be in Chicago.