With broken hearts we announce the passing of Heather Jane McCormick on September 27, 2020, in Queens County Hospital, Liverpool. Beloved wife of Ian A. Zimmerman; cherished daughter of Joanne and the late Dr. C. Wm. McCormick; sister of James Andrew McCormick; and devoted daughter-in-law of Barbara Zimmerman. Heather’s wish was to spend her last days at her beloved cottage in Port Mouton. To say Heather bravely fought cancer for many years is a great understatement. With her positive attitude and loving, supportive husband, a fun-loving nature carried them through many obstacles. They fought the good fight together; making a point of travelling, going to the opera, and enjoying evenings with friends. Just two years ago they vacationed on the west coast of the United States of America, going to the redwood forests, into the mountains, touring Mendocino, and other areas. Heather was born in Halifax but spent her early years in Middleton, and London, Ont., where her physician father completed his studies. She excelled in academics, both at school and university; first graduating with an Arts degree from Dalhousie University, then spending a summer in Art History at the University of Cambridge in England. Bitten by the art history bug, and mentored by Marie Elwood, then Chief Curator of the Nova Scotia Museum, she enrolled at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Art. The bright lights of New York, N.Y., beckoned, which she followed with great enthusiasm, obtaining a Master’s degree from Bard Graduate Center, then enrolling in the PhD programme. Her dissertation was research on the life and career of one of New York City’s great sculptors and carvers, Ernst Plassmann. During this time, she became very close to Plassmann’s great-grandaughter who travelled, along with her husband, to Heather and Ian’s wedding in Annapolis Royal. Her career blossomed in New York. She co-wrote a book entitled “Vasemania” which chronicled the mania for vases in the 19th Century. Following this, and while fighting cancer, she became Project Editor of The History of Design, 1400-2000, a Foundational text for first year students of Bard Graduate Center and other Design History programmes. She will be so deeply missed by her mother, Joanne; her brother, James (Andrea) McCormick; cherished nephews, Will and Tom McCormick; her uncle, Carman (Elizabeth); and aunt, Jane (Dr. Micheal) Reardon; cousins, Simon and Emily McCormick, Dr. Laura Reardon, John Reardon, Marc Reardon, Dr. Ashley McCormick, Luke McCormick, and their families. She will be sadly missed by best friend, Juliet Elwood Graham and family; Bard classmate, Jenny Pitman. Many thanks for expert and kind guidance from Dr. Bruce Colwell, Halifax, and of Queen’s County Hospital, liverpool, the wonderful Dr. Debra Gowan, Natalie Brooks, Marianne and the team from Victorian Order of Nurses, Drs. Farrell and Blackadar, the kind 2nd floor nursing staff, notably Alyssa and Hilda for outstanding care. Due to COVID-19, a celebration of Heather’s Life will be held in the spring. Donations in Heather’s name may be made to the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, or because Heather’s favourite animal was the elephant, the Mara Elephant Project, which promotes co-existance between elephants and communities in Kenya. Online condolences may be sent to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of McCormick; Heather Jane PhD Abd 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Liverpool, Province: Nova Scotia