Obituary of Mary Carolyn McLain

Mary Carolyn McLain, 89, of Stow, Ohio went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 21, 2018. It was only appropriate for such a Godly woman to enter heaven on the Lord’s day. Mary was diagnosed with a glioblastoma a short two months ago. The family offers their sincere gratitude for the team at Summa Hospice, who lovingly cared for her during these final days.

Mary was born on November 29, 1928 in Williamsburg, Ohio. She was one of six children born to Howard and Ruth Lippert. She attended Williamsburg High School, where she graduated valedictorian in 1946. She declined a full scholarship to college in order to stay at home and help support the family. She married the love of her life, Robert “Bob”, in 1950 in Great Falls, Montana. They moved to Akron, Ohio in 1952, living in the communities of Kenmore, Ellet, and Tallmadge. Mary and Bob moved to the Seven Lakes golf community in North Carolina in 1990 upon Bob’s retirement. There they remained until 2016, enjoying their mutual love of the game of golf. They returned to Northeast Ohio to establish a new home in Stow, so that they could be close to loving family.

Mary was a woman of many interests and skills. She enjoyed traveling with Bob and loved their annual treks to enjoy the fall foliage. The beauty of nature thrilled her soul. She loved gardening and time on golf courses with her lady friends. She often volunteered for major events at the famed Firestone Country Club. She was an accomplished musician, both as a singer and pianist. Visitors to her home were often treated to the playing and singing of many of her favorite classic songs and hymns. She was a superb seamstress, making many of her own clothes, as well as clothes for the children. She was an avid reader and lover of mysteries on TV. She was an incredibly self-educated scholar who would frequently impress family and friends with her knowledge base. It is noteworthy that she always encouraged and supported her dear husband in all his professional and personal endeavors. She was the perfect wife for her beloved Bob.

Mary’s true passion was serving the Lord. She was a member of Victory Life Church in Stow and lifetime member of Eureka Presbyterian Church in Carthage, North Carolina.  She spent time daily reading his Word and praying for family members and friends. She prayed daily for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren by name--- all 25 of them. She would unabashedly share her faith with non-believers and strongly encourage them to change their path and follow the Lord. She lived her life according to the “worthy woman” described in Proverbs 31:10-31, serving as a Godly wife and mother. “Strength and dignity are her clothing. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her.” This family matriarch will be greatly missed.

She is joined in heaven by her son, Robert “Mike” McLain, son and daughter-in-law  Martin “Marty” and Robin McLain, sister Annalee Remley and brother Charles Lippert. She leaves behind her husband, Robert; daughters Ian “Debbie” (Jim) Anderson and Terry (Stan) Cooper; grandchildren Angela (John) Brockway, Nicole (Chad) Davis, Sarah (Tony) LaTampa, Robert G. (Carrie) McLain, Catherine Cooper, Christina (Michael) Muscari and Thomas (Jessica) Anderson; step-grandchildren Bill Anderson and Sean (Randi) Anderson; great-grandchildren Sarina, Jake, Esther, L.T., Franki, Henry, Abbie, Allie, Brooke, Kaedra, Blake, McKenzie, Connor, Jackson, Sammi, Charlie, Rowan, and Lucas; sisters Betty Hamilton, Esther Meadors and Josette Little.

Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Friday 5 to 7 PM.   Pastors Matt Skifstad and Cyndie Rogers will conduct a “celebration of life” service Saturday 10 AM at Victory Life Church, 3833 Hudson Drive, Stow 44224.  Private graveside ceremony at Hillside Memorial Park.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Victory Life Church.