Leonda "Renee" McCormick's Obituary
Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Reneé Peyok McCormick.
Born June 2, 1964 in Tulsa, Okla., Reneé had a smile and infectious laugh that brightened even the most difficult of days. She passed away May 19, 2026.
Reneé and her brothers,Todd & David grew up in Broken Arrow, Okla. she and Todd lived much of the time with her maternal grandparents, Herb and Elizabeth Kannady. It was this experience that gave Reneé the love of family. Nothing meant more to her.
After graduating from Moody Christian Academy in 1982, Reneé briefly attended Oklahoma State University before coming back to Tulsa. She began working at Renbergs - an exclusive clothing store in Utica Square. It was here she reunited with one of her childhood friends from church, Teresa. It was also in this era when Reneé met her other best friend, Tim. Both Teresa and Tim remained friends with her throughout their lives. Her friendship knew no limits - whatever you needed, she was there.
Reneé was the girl everyone wanted to be friends with. Wherever she was, a good time ensued … usually with just the right amount of high jinks or a curse if you dared called her Leonda. It always made for lasting memories for anyone around her.
Soon, she met Phil Finnegan, who whisked her off her feet and moved her to Boulder, Colo. As much as Reneé loved Boulder, Tulsa had her heart and they moved back and married in 1992. Reneé and Phil opened their hearts and home to two foster children, Kevin and Mitchel, whom they later joyfully adopted. It was her grandchildren, who referred to her as “Honey”, that were the lights of her life. She treasured every moment with Rosa Renee, RJ and Ava Kay and never missed an opportunity to spoil them.
It was her love for children that lead to Reneé’s career in daycare. She made it a priority to make each child feel important, loved and heard - much of the reason her friends loved her.
Reneé was preceded in death by parents Mary and Roger Thomas. She is survived by brothers Todd (Ann) of Boulder, Colo., and David (Kimberly) of Muskogee, Okla. She is also survived by life partner, Phil Finnegan, ex-husband Mike McCormick, sons Kevin and Mitchel, both of Jenks and grandchildren Rosa, RJ and Ava.
The world feels quieter without her in it. But anyone lucky enough to have known her, will carry her humor, love and unforgettable spirit and wit forever.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, at 10:30AM at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa. Graveside services will follow at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens - Veteran's Field of Honor Phase III at 12:30PM.
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