Sister Marie Elise, a Sister of Notre Dame for 76 years, died surrounded by family and Sisters in Oakland, CA, on July 21, 2013.
Born Elizabeth Clare on September 3, 1919 to James McCormick and Mary Graham, she was the youngest of five children (Graham, Catherine, Patricia and Richard). Home was her beloved Butano Canyon, still the gathering place for the McCormick clan. Like all good Irish, love of family and a strong faith sustained her. “Sister Beth,” as she was affectionately known, was particularly fond of chocolate and animals, especially dogs!
Predeceased by her parents, siblings, and nephew, Graham McCormick, Jr., Sister Marie Elise will be lovingly remembered by her devoted nieces and nephews, Martin McCormick, Anne Montalvan, Joan McCormick, Elinor McCormick, Mary Pat Kanzaki, Jack Dougherty, Michael McCormick, Kathleen Luckin, Mary McCormick, Mark McCormick, Jean and Janet Targhetta, Patty Gregory (d) and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and her community, the Sisters of Notre Dame.
A Mass celebrating Sr. Marie Elise’s life was presided over by her cousins, Rev. John Bain and Rev. Francis Smith, S.J. on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 12 noon at Notre Dame de Namur Province Center, 1520 Ralston Ave., Belmont, with interment at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.