January 24, 1945 - December 13, 2025
Nancy Jean Baird was born on January 24, 1945, in Burbank, California, to William Vernon "Junebug" Baird Jr and Margaret (Morrison) Baird. She passed away on December 13, 2025, in Porterville, California at the age of 80.
Nancy grew up in Burbank California, graduating from Burbank High School in 1963, then moving with her parents to Strathmore, California. She first attended COS then graduated from Porterville Jr College in 1966, where she was a proud cheerleader. She then began working several jobs including an escrow company & Jostens. She then served as Secretary to the Strathmore High School Superintendent/Principal. Nancy also helped lead and chaperone the Friday Night Live group, guiding students through leadership activities, community events, & positive youth development. After 31 dedicated years of service, she retired in 2008.
In 1969, Nancy made the profoundly selfless decision to place her son for adoption, giving him the chance to grow up in a loving family. Many years later, they reunited and spent the next 26 years building a deep and meaningful relationship. Her son, John McCormack, expressed heartfelt gratitude for her sacrifice, recognizing it as a gift that shaped his life and allowed him to grow up surrounded by family, love, and opportunity.
Nancy was deeply involved in her community and belonged to the Grand Ave United Methodist Church, SETCO Republican Women, Strathmore Town & Country Club where she served as President 2007-2010, Springville Community Club, and Friends of the Porterville & Strathmore Libraries, Exeter Women's Club serving as Corresponding Secretary and Vice President. Nancy also proudly served as a Pink Lady Life Member at Sierra View District Hospital beginning 1977.
In 2012, Nancy survived a catastrophic stroke which affected her mobility but didn't diminish her sharp mind or extraordinary memory. Known as the most positive person in any room, Nancy remembered not only people's stories but their families as well. She could recall names and exact dates with ease. Her remarkable memory and attention to detail earned her the nickname "computer brain". She loved reading, always having a book checked out until her final days.
For the last 5 years, Nancy lived at the Serenity Senior Care Home in Porterville, where she received excellent care, found comfort, friendship, and a true sense of home. She especially loved that she lived in the same room her mother once had.
Nancy is survived by her son, John McCormack (wife Kristi) of Riverside, California, grandchildren, Chad McCormack (wife Sarah) & Alee McCormack, and great grandson Liam McCormack.
A celebration of life will be held at the Grand Ave United Methodist Church on her birthday, January 24th, 2026, at 2 pm.
https://www.myersfuneral.com
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Published by The Porterville Recorder on Jan. 15, 2026.
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