Hazel Vorice McCord was an American woman best known as the mother of actors Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke. She lived from October 6, 1896, to September 27, 1992, and is remembered for her role in the Van Dyke family’s history.
Hazel Vorice McCord Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hazel Vorice McCord |
| Also Known As | Hazel Vorice McCord Van Dyke |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1896 |
| Age | 95 years (at the time of her death) |
| Date of Death | September 27, 1992 |
| Birthplace | East Lynn, Vermilion County, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Profession | Stenographer, Teacher |
| Famous For | Mother of actors Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke |
| Father | Charles Cornelius McCord |
| Mother | Adeline Verinda Neal McCord |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Loren Wayne Van Dyke |
| Children | Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Van Dyke |
| Grandchildren | Christian Van Dyke, Barry Van Dyke, Stacy Van Dyke, Carrie Beth Van Dyke, Wes Van Dyke, Taryn Van Dyke, Kelly Jean Van Dyke, and others |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Residence | Illinois, United States |
| Known Relatives | The Van Dyke family |
| Legacy | Remembered as the mother of two celebrated American actors and comedians. |
Early Life
Hazel Vorice McCord was born on October 6, 1896, in East Lynn, Vermilion County, Illinois. She grew up in a small rural community where family values, education, and hard work were important parts of everyday life.
Her parents were Charles Cornelius McCord and Adeline Verinda Neal McCord. Public genealogy records identify them as members of a Midwestern American family with deep roots in Illinois.
Education and Career
Very little information is publicly available about Hazel’s education. Historical records show that she worked as a stenographer, a profession that required strong writing, typing, and communication skills.
Some family history sources also describe her as a teacher. Although official records mainly identify her as a stenographer, both occupations reflect her interest in learning and organization.
Marriage and Family
Hazel Vorice McCord married Loren Wayne Van Dyke, who worked as a traveling salesman.
The couple raised two sons:
- Richard Wayne “Dick” Van Dyke
- Jerry McCord Van Dyke
Both sons later became successful actors and comedians in American television and film. Their achievements made the Van Dyke family well known across the United States.
Hazel Vorice McCord’s Children
Dick Van Dyke
Dick Van Dyke became one of America’s most respected entertainers. He is known for acting, singing, dancing, and comedy.
Some of his best known works include:
- The Dick Van Dyke Show
- Mary Poppins
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Diagnosis: Murder
His long career earned several Emmy Awards and many lifetime achievement honors.
Jerry Van Dyke
Jerry Van Dyke also built a successful television career.
He appeared in many comedy programs and became especially well known for his role in the television series Coach. His acting career lasted for several decades.
Family Background
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Charles Cornelius McCord | Father |
| Adeline Verinda Neal McCord | Mother |
| Loren Wayne Van Dyke | Husband |
| Dick Van Dyke | Son |
| Jerry Van Dyke | Son |
Personal Life
Hazel Vorice McCord spent most of her life away from public attention. Unlike her famous sons, she did not work in the entertainment industry.
Public records describe her as a devoted wife and mother who focused on family life. She became known to later generations mainly because of her connection to the Van Dyke family.
You can also read our biography of Heather Zumarraga to learn about her career, family, education, net worth, and professional achievements.
Why Hazel Vorice McCord Is Still Remembered
Interest in Hazel Vorice McCord continues because many people researching Dick Van Dyke’s family history discover her name.
She is recognized for:
- Being the mother of two successful entertainers.
- Her connection to one of America’s well known acting families.
- Her place in public genealogy and historical records.
- Her contribution to the family’s legacy through her role as a parent.
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Interesting Facts About Hazel Vorice McCord
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1896 |
| Birthplace | East Lynn, Illinois |
| Profession | Best documented as a stenographer |
| Famous Family | Mother of Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke |
| Lived Through | Two World Wars and major changes in American society |
| Public Recognition | Known mainly through family history and genealogy records |
Death
Hazel Vorice McCord died on September 27, 1992, at the age of 95.
Public records consistently confirm her date of death, although some secondary sources differ on the location. Her birth and death dates are widely accepted across genealogy records and family biographies.
Legacy
Hazel Vorice McCord’s legacy is closely tied to the success of the Van Dyke family. Although she never became a public figure herself, her name remains part of American entertainment history because of her sons’ lasting careers.
Today, researchers, family historians, and fans of Dick Van Dyke continue to search for information about her life, making her an important figure in the Van Dyke family story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hazel Vorice McCord?
Hazel Vorice McCord was an American woman best known as the mother of actors Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke. She worked primarily as a stenographer and lived from 1896 to 1992.
When was Hazel Vorice McCord born?
She was born on October 6, 1896, in East Lynn, Vermilion County, Illinois, United States.
Who was Hazel Vorice McCord’s husband?
Her husband was Loren Wayne Van Dyke, a traveling salesman.
How many children did Hazel Vorice McCord have?
She had two sons: Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke.
What was Hazel Vorice McCord’s profession?
The most consistently documented profession is stenographer. Some family history sources also mention that she worked as a teacher.
Why is Hazel Vorice McCord famous?
She is famous because she was the mother of legendary entertainers Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke, making her an important figure in the history of the Van Dyke family.
