Lee Helene Riley McCormack, 1946-2015



Lee Helene McCormack, maiden name Riley, 69, of Vienna, VA, beloved wife of Brian McCormack, passed away peacefully on July 30 after a long illness.

Lee graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Psychology and went on to achieve a Master’s degree in criminal justice, with honors, from George Washington University. Lee used her education and talents to serve in the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for over 30 years. She began her career as a Probation Counselor and later became the Director of the Outreach Detention Program. Lee was also involved in writing public policy for the Court and in shaping a redesign plan for the provision of human services by the overall Fairfax County Government. Lee made invaluable contributions to the clients she served, their families, her colleagues and the many probation counselors she mentored.

Lee was born January 19, 1946 in Chelsea, MA. She was preceded in death by her parents William S. Riley and Mildred E. Kearney of Chelsea, MA. She was considered the matriarch of her large extended family -- the indispensable person who held things together. Lee is survived by her beloved husband, Brian McCormack and her five beloved siblings: her identical twin Lynne Nelson, brothers William Riley and Mark Riley, and sisters, Laura Crouse and Anna McGreevy.

In addition, she leaves 19 nieces and nephews (Alexandra Crouse, Anastasia Longoria, Blake Nelson, Brogan Riley, Brooke Nelson, Claire McCormack, Devon Riley, Dillon Longoria, Dylan McGreevy, Eric Riley, Erin McCormack, Jared Crouse, Jeffrey Crouse, Jessica McGreevy, Kellen Riley, Mark Staudt, Mark Riley, Sean Riley and Sophie Riley) and 12 great-nieces and nephews (Abiageal Riley, Aidan Riley, Cole Nelson, Colin Riley, Etta Rhodes, Genevieve McCormack, Kevin Riley, Magnus Boström, Molly Nelson, Nora Boström, Reese Riley, and Riley Nelson) whom she adored and who adored her.

Lee was a deeply devoted and cherished daughter, wife, sister, aunt, friend and colleague. She is remembered most as a caring and selfless person who was a guardian angel to countless people in their hour of need. She leaves a legacy of generosity, service and love. Lee was a sunburst of kindness whose gracious light shall forever brighten our souls.

A memorial service for Lee will be held on August 11, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Caring Hospice, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042. http://www.capitalcaring.org/