Ellen McCormack

Born January 11, 1920, in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Walter H. and Gertrude Frank Holt.  She attended Wilson
College and Ohio Wesleyan University where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1942.  She was also a long distance swimmer and won a tri-state
championship.  While at Ohio Wesleyan she married her college sweetheart, Robert McCormack, on June 28, 1941.

Ellen was a talented artist. Her long artistic career included painting, drawing, textile art, jewelry design, silk-screen, block print and graphic design, as well as other media.  Watercolor was her favorite artistic expression.  She loved exploring design and composition, and as an art teacher she had the ability to help students recognize and develop
their talents.

Ellen was also a gifted high
school teacher.  She taught art, creative writing and literature for seven years and was also a student counselor and head of the English
Department in Jefferson County, CO.  Her teaching style was infused with depth, grace and gentle humor.  She inspired her students to use their inner resources of memory and imagination to transform themselves into accomplished writers.  Three of her students won national awards for
poetry.  Ellen’s abilities were also recognized by the Colorado Department of Education which named her teacher of the year.

Ellen’s husband, Bob, died April 10, 1998.

Surviving are Ellen’s
brother, Walter Holt of Edinboro, PA;  a son, Jeffrey Holt McCormack and his wife Patricia B. Wallens and grandson Timothy Wallens McCormack of
Charlottesville, VA.

A memorial service will be
held at the Thomas Coke Chapel at Givens Estates pending further arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Givens Estates, Sweeten Creek Road,
Asheville, NC 28803, or Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 16, Asheville, NC 28802.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is in charge of the arrangements.