Jane Birdsell McCormick

Jane Birdsell McCormick, 89, died at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Washtucna, on April 19. Jane was born April 1, 1927, to George and Edna Birdsell in Lancaster, Washington. She was raised with four brothers and four sisters on a quarter-section that was homesteaded by her grandmother under the Teddy Roosevelt Homestead Act.

Jane attended school at Lower Downing in Lancaster until eighth grade, when she went to St. John High School, where she graduated valedictorian in 1945. She turned down her college scholarship in order to help her dad run the farm while all her brothers were in the service. The George Birdsell Farm was the last farm in Whitman County to farm with horses. She married the love of her life, Wayne L. McCormick on Sept. 10, 1949, which was her parents’ 39th wedding anniversary.

Jane followed Wayne as he worked the extra board for the Union Pacific Railroad, finally settling in Wallula, Washington. She began working for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1961 after Wayne suffered a severe heart attack.

They moved to Pasco in 1964 after building their dream home. She retired in 1989 and remained in the home that she and Wayne had built and shared many happy memories. Jane moved to Washtucna in 2011 to live with her daughter, Judy and husband, Kim Schafer.

Jane was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pasco and then transferred her church membership to Washtucna Community Church.

Jane was an 18 year breast cancer survivor.

Jane worked side-by-side with Wayne on every home improvement project they tackled, including building a rock wall. Her hobbies included leatherwork, wood working, whittling, reading, camping, fishing and hunting. After Wayne passed away, Jane took over his wood lathe and made many wooden bowls. She loved to whistle which earned her the nickname “Tweety Bird”.

Jane was a life long writer of stories, which she proudly shared with family and friends. She was very proud to have been born on April Fool’s Day and could bring a smile to anyone’s face, with a twinkle in her eye, the joy in her heart and a joke on her lips. She was known to make anything fun, from picking strawberries to washing the car. Jane made dear friends and touched people’s hearts wherever she was.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Wayne, brothers Lee, Arthur “Wayne” and Vern and sisters LeMerle, Leatha, Viola and Edith. She is survived by brother Max (Peg) Birdsell of Sandpoint, Idaho, daughter Judy (Kim) Schafer of Washtucna, son Bob (Katy) McCormick of Pasco. She also leaves behind her cherished six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and loved friends near and far.

Jane’s joyful celebration of life will be held at the Washtucna Community Church on April 30 at 11 a.m. followed by a meal and time to reminisce at the Rimrock Grange.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or to the Washtucna Community Church.