Hazel Vorice McCord’s life is a remarkable portrait of resilience, family devotion, and quiet influence. Born at the cusp of the 20th century and living well into its final decade, she witnessed extraordinary transformations in the world while nurturing a family that would leave its own enduring mark on American culture. Best known as the mother of legendary entertainers Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Van Dyke, Hazel’s story is one of steady guidance, unwavering support, and a legacy that lives on through her children’s achievements.
Early Life in East Lynn, Illinois
Hazel Vorice McCord was born on October 6, 1896, in East Lynn, a small town in Vermilion County, Illinois. Some historical records suggest she may have been born in 1897, but either way, she arrived during a time when rural life was still defined by horse-drawn carriages, close-knit communities, and the first glimmers of technological progress. Her childhood unfolded among the green fields and quiet streets of East Lynn, where values like hard work, cooperation, and neighborly support were ingrained from an early age.
Family bonds played a major role in shaping Hazel’s character. While specific details about her parents and siblings remain sparse, it is clear that these early relationships gave her a strong sense of responsibility and care for others—traits that would define her later role as a mother.
Marriage and Family Beginnings
In 1925, Hazel married Loren Van Dyke, marking the start of a lifelong partnership. Shortly after their marriage, records place her in West Plains, Missouri, in December 1925, possibly related to their wedding or an early family move. By 1931, the Van Dyke family had settled in Danville, Illinois, a city that would become central to their lives.
Hazel and Loren created a home filled with laughter, warmth, and creativity. Their children, Richard Wayne “Dick” Van Dyke (born 1925) and Jerry Van Dyke (born 1931), grew up in an environment that encouraged humor, storytelling, and performance. The family’s casual skits, jokes, and playful banter planted the seeds for careers that would entertain millions.
Raising Future Legends
Hazel’s influence on her sons was profound but subtle. She was not a stage mother pushing her children toward fame; instead, she provided a safe, supportive home where their natural talents could flourish. Dick Van Dyke would go on to star in “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Mary Poppins,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” while Jerry Van Dyke became a celebrated comedian and actor, best known for his role in the sitcom “Coach.”
While her sons became household names, Hazel preferred a life out of the spotlight. She focused on being a constant source of encouragement, instilling in her children the values of humility, kindness, and persistence. These qualities became evident in their public personas and contributed to their enduring popularity.
A Witness to a Century of Change
Hazel’s life spanned nearly 96 years, during which she saw the world transform in unimaginable ways. When she was born, only a small percentage of American homes had electricity, and the telephone was a novelty. By the time she died in 1992, television was a staple in nearly every household, jet travel had shrunk the globe, and the internet was beginning to emerge.
She lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, and the social revolutions of the 1960s and 70s. Each of these eras brought challenges and changes, but Hazel adapted with resilience, grounding her family through shifting times.
Later Years and Final Resting Place
In her later years, Hazel’s life touched other regions beyond Illinois. Some records indicate she spent time in Little Rock, Arkansas, while others place her in Coronado, California, in her final years. Regardless of where she passed away, her life came full circle when she was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, Illinois—returning to the community that had shaped her earliest years.
Hazel died in 1992 at the age of 95, leaving behind a family deeply rooted in love and shared memories.
Family and Net Worth Context
While Hazel herself lived a modest life centered on family rather than financial accumulation, her legacy is intertwined with the success of her sons. Dick Van Dyke, now in his late 90s, has an estimated net worth of over $50 million, the result of decades in film, television, and stage. Jerry Van Dyke, who passed away in 2018, also enjoyed a successful career, with his estate valued at several million dollars. Though Hazel did not personally seek wealth or fame, her nurturing home life was the foundation upon which her sons built their careers.
A Quiet but Enduring Influence
Hazel Vorice McCord’s impact is not measured by headlines or awards but by the lives she shaped. She embodied the kind of influence that works quietly in the background, offering steady support and moral guidance. Her sons’ comedic timing, professionalism, and ability to connect with audiences can be traced back to the warmth and encouragement they received at home.
For fans of the Van Dyke brothers, knowing about Hazel adds a deeper layer of appreciation. Behind their charm and humor was a mother who believed in them long before the world knew their names.