Obituary of Barbara Mary McCormick Flett

Barbara Mary McCormick Flett, born May 12, 1941, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, December 14, 2023 after a brief battle with lung cancer (well, she did get away with smoking for pretty long. . ).  She was predeceased by husband John (Jack) Flett; parents, George and Ursula McCormick; sisters, Jeanette Earsing and Eileen Poole.

She is survived by sisters, Kathleen McCormick and Patricia Bucholtz; brother, Thomas McCormick; children, Andrew Flett, Bonnie Culkin, Colleen Flett, and Diana Olivo; grandchildren, Benjamin, Adam and Mary Culkin; and son-in-law, Daniel Culkin.

She was a tough lady.  A year after moving to Roanoke from Buffalo, New York her husband Jack died, leaving her to parent 4 snotty, "challenging" tween/teen children.  She did so without killing any of them, raising them to be independent thinkers with good senses of humor and lovers of books and music, expecially goofy old songs ("It was a one-eyed, one horned flying . . .").  She was a reliable, indulgent babysitter for her grandchildren, teaching them to polka dance, letting them watch too much TV, buying them gifts she wouldn't let her own children have (No pogo sticks!).

She was remarkably bright, working several administrative jobs after her husband's death, and when she left they often had to hire multiple people to replace her.  Until health issues intervened, she was very active in her church, Our Lady of Nazareth, serving on various committees, as eucharistic minister and choir member.  She was also very involved in the Cursillo movement.  She was an avid crocheter and also sewed a lot of her young daughter's clothes.

The family appreciates the care and support of the nurses and therapy staffs at Friendship Manor South during her two stays there this year.  The girls are also grateful to Andrew for his care of her these last few years, especially those last few intense weeks at home with hospice.

A funeral service is planned for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church 2505 Electric Road.  A reception will follow.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.simpsonfuneral.com