Obituaries

Loretta Mary (Sparks) McCormick, age 89, of Brimley, Michigan, died at Freighter View Assisted Living surrounded by her family on May 21, 2025. She was born on December 14, 1935, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Edward and Viola May (Gooderman) Sparks.

Loretta grew up in the Sault Ste. Marie Area, where she had attended Lorreto Catholic High School. Loretta met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” McCormick as she walked out of the Soo Theater one night. Her late husband, Bob stated many times “I knew at that moment, she was the girl I was going to marry. The beautiful girl in the red coat.” They were married for seventy-one years and together they raised a family of three. Camping and outdoor activities kept them together, while building a life of loving the outdoors for all the family. Loretta had a lot of pride and joy for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Loretta was a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Brimley, Michigan.

Loretta spent her later years at home surrounded by nature. She loved to sit on her balcony, watching the Waiski River that flows into Lake Superior, in Brimley, Michigan, this was enhanced by the wildlife that lived all around her home.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Joan McCormick of Traverse City, Michigan; grand-children, Thomas (Tracey) Fosmore, Jason Clingaman, Robert McCormick III, Cory (Maria) McCormick; great-grandchildren, Carter Fosmore, Autumn Fosmore, Jakob Fosmore, Jozlynn McCormick, Bentley McCormick, Ada McCormick, Myles McCormick; and sister, Lorraine Brown.

Loretta was preceded in death by the love of her life, Bob McCormick; parents, Edward and Viola May; brothers, Edward “Bud” Sparks, John Sparks, Bill Sparks, Donald Sparks; and sister, Shirley Brosco.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 6769 M-221, Brimley, MI 49715. Memorial Mass will begin at 2:00 PM with refreshments to follow in the Church Hall.