Hazel Vorice McCord: The Legacy of the Van Dyke Family Matriarch

Hazel Vorice McCord, a name that resonates with many due to her remarkable family connections, remains a prominent figure in the history of the Van Dyke family. A mother, wife, and matriarch, Hazel’s life was deeply intertwined with the development of two of America’s most well-known entertainers: her sons, Richard Wayne “Dick” Van Dyke and Jerry McCord Van Dyke. Beyond her connection to her famous children, Hazel’s life offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century American life, family dynamics, and the quiet strength that shapes successful families from behind the scenes.

Early Life of Hazel Vorice McCord

Hazel Vorice McCord was born on October 6, 1896, in East Lynn, Vermilion County, Illinois, USA. She was the daughter of Charles Cornelius McCord and Adeline Verinda Neal, who were rooted in the American Midwest. Growing up in Illinois, Hazel lived in a time of significant change and social transformation. The early 1900s were marked by a shift toward modernization, and for someone like Hazel, who would later become a cornerstone of her family, these changes helped mold her character.

Hazel’s upbringing in Illinois, alongside her siblings, was one of familial closeness and respect for hard work. In those times, the McCord family was known for its focus on education and community service, values that Hazel would pass on to her children. Although little is known about her early life beyond family records, her roots in East Lynn and Vermilion County provided a stable foundation for the future she would build with her family.

Marriage to Loren Wayne “Cookie” Van Dyke

In 1925, Hazel married Loren Wayne “Cookie” Van Dyke, marking the beginning of her life as a mother and a matriarch. Cookie, a man with his own professional pursuits, made a living in various roles, but it was his partnership with Hazel that would prove to be most significant. They established a home and started a family, eventually having two children: Richard Wayne “Dick” Van Dyke and Jerry McCord Van Dyke.

Cookie and Hazel’s marriage was one of mutual respect and shared values, and their union stood as a model for their children. Loren, often described as a supportive and loving father, played an essential role in their sons’ lives. However, it was Hazel’s influence that would leave a lasting imprint, particularly in shaping the careers and personal lives of her two famous children.

Raising Dick and Jerry Van Dyke

Hazel and Loren’s first son, Dick Van Dyke, was born in 1925. As a child, Dick showed immense potential in the arts, particularly in music, dance, and acting. Hazel encouraged his creative talents while fostering a sense of discipline and focus that would later become evident in his career. Dick would go on to become one of the most iconic American entertainers of the 20th century, starring in television shows and films such as “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Mary Poppins,” and many others. His enduring legacy as a comedic actor and dancer continues to influence modern entertainers.

Jerry McCord Van Dyke, the couple’s second son, was born in 1931. Jerry pursued a career in acting as well, with notable roles in television, particularly in sitcoms. While Jerry’s career did not reach the same level of fame as Dick’s, he was nonetheless a respected actor in his own right. He is perhaps best known for his role in the television show “My Mother the Car” and his appearances on “Coach.”

The bond between Hazel and her children, particularly Dick and Jerry, was marked by love and support. Hazel provided a stable foundation for them, encouraging both their individual growth and their shared connection as brothers. Dick and Jerry remained close throughout their lives, often reflecting on the lessons learned from their mother.

Hazel Vorice McCord’s Later Years

In her later years, Hazel moved with her family to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she spent the final part of her life. Little Rock offered Hazel the tranquility and privacy she sought in her retirement years, away from the Hollywood spotlight that her children had come to occupy. Although Hazel never sought fame herself, she was proud of her sons’ accomplishments and the family they had built.

Throughout her life, Hazel was known to be a quiet but determined woman, balancing the responsibilities of being a homemaker and mother with the challenges of raising two children who would go on to become public figures. Her ability to nurture, support, and guide her family was evident in how her children spoke of her throughout their lives. Hazel’s influence extended far beyond the domestic sphere and played a significant role in shaping the characters and careers of both Dick and Jerry.

The Death of Hazel Vorice McCord

Hazel Vorice McCord passed away on September 27, 1992, at the age of 95, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her death marked the end of a life that had been filled with both quiet moments of family connection and the public achievements of her sons. While she had never sought the limelight herself, her legacy was deeply intertwined with the Van Dyke family name, and her passing was noted by many who had been influenced by her children’s careers.

Hazel’s death also marked the loss of an important matriarch who had played a central role in shaping the Van Dyke family’s values and work ethic. The Van Dyke brothers, Dick and Jerry, continued to honor her memory through their work and by speaking of her often in interviews. Hazel’s life and the lessons she imparted were a constant source of inspiration for her family, and they carried forward her legacy with pride.

Hazel Vorice McCord’s Legacy: Family and Descendants

Hazel Vorice McCord left behind a significant legacy in her children and grandchildren. Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, her two sons, would go on to build their own families, continuing Hazel’s values of dedication, hard work, and creative pursuit. Dick, in particular, has had a lasting influence on the entertainment industry, inspiring generations of actors, dancers, and comedians. Jerry, too, contributed to television and film in his own unique way, leaving behind a legacy of humor and dedication.

Hazel’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, although not as well known in the public eye, continue to be part of her extended family. These descendants carry forward her values and traditions, even though they have chosen different paths in life. Hazel’s influence, though not in the spotlight, can be seen in the character of her family members.

Her life was one marked by simplicity, hard work, and the love of family. Despite the fame of her children, Hazel remained grounded and devoted to her family. Her legacy lives on not just in the entertainment industry but in the values she instilled in her children and their families. She was a matriarch who understood that success in life is not always about public recognition but about the strength of character and the bonds of family.

Hazel Vorice McCord’s Final Resting Place

Hazel Vorice McCord is buried in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she spent her final years. Her grave, which can be found on Find A Grave, serves as a reminder of her life and the impact she had on her family. Although Hazel was not a public figure in the traditional sense, her role as a mother and matriarch of the Van Dyke family remains an essential part of the family’s history.

Her life and legacy are remembered fondly by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as by the many fans of her sons. For those who knew her or were touched by her family’s contributions to American culture, Hazel Vorice McCord will always be remembered as a central figure in the Van Dyke family story.

Conclusion

Hazel Vorice McCord’s life, though often in the background of her children’s fame, was one of quiet strength, resilience, and dedication to her family. As the mother of Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, she played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of two of America’s beloved entertainers. Her legacy continues to influence not just her immediate family but also the broader entertainment industry through the work of her children. Hazel’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most influential figures are those who work behind the scenes, quietly supporting the dreams and aspirations of others.