Marie Lora McCormick Pauwels

Marie Lora McCormick Pauwels, 87, passed away on April 18, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was born on September 23, 1938, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, the only child of George Stanislaus McCormick and Margaret (Hazen) McCormick.

Born in New England, Marie carried herself with a grace and elegance shaped by her Quaker values and intellectual background. Her mother, a faculty member at Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island, inspired Marie’s own love of learning: She would go on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in music from Brown University and then a Masters degree in piano and organ from the University of Michigan.

It was at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where Marie was working as the host of a classical music radio program, that she met her husband Ken, who was working as a station engineer at the time. The two were married on August 10, 1968. They eventually settled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and in 1977, Ken and Marie welcomed their son, Daniel Gerard. Dan reflected his parents’ many talents, being particularly gifted in music and sports. Tragically, Dan’s life was cut short due to a traffic accident in 1999.

While Marie did not work outside the home, she was a dedicated community volunteer, having once received city recognition for her efforts. She gave her time to many organizations, but caring for cats was her passion. Marie had a great talent for sewing and enjoyed making clothing and baby blankets. She was also an outstanding swimmer, competing on an adult swim team. At one point, she and her team were 10th in the country! Outside of all these pursuits, Marie was an avid traveler. There was not one continent she did not set foot on.

Marie was confident, kind, well-spoken, thoughtful, and generous. She is lovingly remembered by brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and longtime family friends.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Pauwels and their son Daniel Pauwels.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, May 24th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill.