Hazel Vorice McCord lived a life that quietly but powerfully shaped the roots of American entertainment. Born at the dawn of the 20th century and living nearly a hundred years, her story blends small-town beginnings, family devotion, and an enduring influence that carried through her famous children, Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke. While her name may not have been in the spotlight, her role as a mother, mentor, and anchor of her family left a lasting mark.
Early Roots in East Lynn, Illinois
Hazel Vorice McCord was born on October 6, 1896, in East Lynn, a farming community in Vermilion County, Illinois. Some historical records list her birth year as 1897, but either way, her arrival came during a time when America was shifting from rural traditions to the beginnings of modern life. Horse-drawn carriages were still common, electricity was rare in homes, and the world was on the edge of groundbreaking inventions.
She grew up in a close-knit family surrounded by the landscapes of the Midwest. Though details about her siblings are scattered, it’s clear that these family bonds were important in shaping her character. East Lynn’s small-town values and community spirit would follow her throughout her life, influencing how she raised her own family.
Marriage and Building a Family
In 1925, Hazel married Loren Van Dyke, beginning a partnership that would become the foundation of a legendary entertainment lineage. The couple’s home was one of warmth, humor, and creativity—a place where ideas and jokes flowed freely. Together they had children, including Dick Van Dyke, born in 1925, and Jerry Van Dyke, born in 1931, both of whom would go on to become beloved entertainers.
Hazel’s role in their upbringing was far more than the typical duties of a mother of the time. She nurtured their imaginations, encouraged their humor, and supported their early interests in performing. Family life often involved playful skits, songs, and lighthearted moments that unknowingly prepared her sons for the careers they would one day lead.
Key Life Milestones and Places
Hazel’s life saw her move through several locations tied to family and important events. After her birth in East Lynn, records show her living in West Plains, Missouri, in December 1925, possibly marking her early married life. By July 1931, the family was back in Danville, Illinois, which would remain closely tied to her roots.
In her later years, records vary on where she spent her final days. Some sources list Little Rock, Arkansas, while others point to Coronado, California. Regardless, Hazel’s life came full circle when she was laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, Illinois, the same county where her journey began.
Living Through a Century of Change
Hazel’s life spanned an extraordinary period in history. She was born before women had the right to vote and lived to see the early days of the internet. She witnessed two world wars, the Great Depression, and monumental social changes, especially in the roles and rights of women.
When she was in her twenties, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote. She lived through the roaring 1920s, the hardships of the 1930s, and the transformative post-war decades. She saw entertainment evolve from vaudeville and radio to television and film, and eventually into the digital era.
It is remarkable to consider that in her lifetime, she experienced the invention of airplanes, automobiles becoming mainstream, the first television broadcasts, the moon landing, and the dawn of personal computers. Through all these changes, Hazel remained a steady figure in her family, grounded in the values she learned in her youth.
The Van Dyke Family Legacy
The most visible part of Hazel’s legacy lives on through her children’s accomplishments. Dick Van Dyke became one of America’s most beloved entertainers, starring in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Jerry Van Dyke followed his own comedic path, with memorable roles in Coach and various television appearances.
Their charisma, warmth, and comedic timing can be traced back to the environment Hazel fostered at home. She instilled in them a sense of humor, perseverance, and kindness—qualities that became central to their public personas and careers. Through their work, Hazel’s influence indirectly touched millions of viewers.
A Life of Quiet Strength
Hazel Vorice McCord was not a public figure, yet she was the kind of person whose quiet presence had a lasting impact. She supported her family through financial ups and downs, encouraged creativity without pressure, and modeled resilience in times of change. Her ability to adapt over the decades while holding onto core values is part of what made her so influential to those who knew her best.
Even though her story is intertwined with the fame of her sons, Hazel’s life stands on its own as an example of how everyday dedication and love can shape generations. She lived to the remarkable age of 95, passing away in 1992, having seen nearly every major event of the 20th century.
Remembering Hazel Vorice McCord
Hazel’s journey from a small town in Illinois to the matriarch of a family that would become household names is a reminder that legacies often begin in the most unassuming places. Her influence went beyond the spotlight, and her values continue to ripple through the lives of her descendants and the countless people entertained by her children’s work.