Lela M. McCormick, 96, of Dubuque died Saturday, May 2, 2026. Visitation will be from 4 pm to 7 pm Friday, May 8 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a nurse’s honor guard and Florence Nightingale Tribute at 7 pm followed by a short prayer service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Saturday, May 9 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church. Committal services will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Farley. The livestream of the funeral Mass can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Lela was born June 19, 1929 in Zwingle, Iowa, daughter of Joseph and Lavina (Hutchins) Sweeney.

After graduating from High School, Lela attended cosmetology school and worked as a cosmetologist. On June 7, 1951 she received her associates degree in nursing from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Davenport. She worked as a nurse at John McDonald Hospital in Monticello, then later Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. In her retirement she worked part time at Stonehill Care Center.

She married Louis Dunn June 11, 1952 at St. Patrick, Garryowen. Lela and Louie moved to Farley from Bernard in 1956. There they were members of St Joseph parish. Louie preceded her in death on December 16, 1968. On August 3, 1979 She married Charles McCormick at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on January 25, 2019.

Lela was a longtime member of St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Lela will be lovingly remembered for her baking and sewing talents, especially her molasses cookies, which were a cherished favorite among her children and grandchildren. Her children also depended on her wise counsel and nurturing instincts, often turning to her for guidance.

She is survived by eight children, Mike (Julie) Dunn of Dubuque, Marcia Dunn of La Crosse, WI, Mary (Mark) Goldsher of Lake Oswego, OR, Moreen Fitzgerald of Kansas City, MO, Michele (Patrick) Colbert of Dubuque, Melissa (Chris) McCarville of Springdale, AR, Mark Dunn of Ashville, NC, and Molly (Jody) Steinke of Quincy, IL; six step-children, Dave (Lynn) McCormick of West Des Moines, Joe McCormick of Dubuque, Ruth McCormick of Dubuque, Mary (Leon) Jensen of Dubuque, Helen (John “Fritz”) Gile of Dubuque and Kevin (Deb) McCormick of Pewaukee, WI; 24 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Bessie Ehlinger, LJ Sweeney, Grace Kane, Jim Sweeney, and Mary Wagner. Also, grandson Tim Kusterer.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Suzanne and the dedicated staff at Oak Park Place, as well as to Keshia and the compassionate nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice, for the exceptional care and kindness shown.

Memorials can be made to Dubuque County Right to Life or Mary’s Inn.