Irene Frances McLain, 87, of Round Pond, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23 at the Knox Center in Rockland. She was born on Aug. 9, 1926 in Concord, Mass. to Frank and Agnes Jensen Taylor. She graduated from Waltham High School and went to business school to become a secretary.
She worked for the superintendent of schools in Waltham. For many years she vacationed in Maine with her family at Moxie Cove camps in Round Pond where she met her future husband, Floyd “Mike” McLain. She raised her two children in Round Pond and lived there the rest of her life.
Irene was known by many during her long career as the secretary for Attorney Cleve Page and as office manager for Dr. Belknap and Dr. Powell at the Bristol Road clinic. She went on to manage Dr. Powell’s practice until his retirement. Irene and Dr. Powell remained social friends for many years afterward.
A loving and devoted mother and wife, she was able to spend more time with her grandchildren, the joys of her life, after her retirement. She especially enjoyed their “sleepovers.” She loved sunning at the beach, knitting, crocheting, doing craft projects, going to and holding yard sales and listening to all kinds of music, especially Daniel O’Donnell and Andre Rieu. She always loved to sing along with the music.
She played piano from childhood, and was the organist at the Round Pond United Methodist Church where she performed with their Handbell Choir. She knitted dozens of “premie” hats for newborn babies at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and dozens of hats, mittens, and sweater for family and friends.
She loved to travel, enjoying trips to California, Quebec, Niagara Falls and a couple of camping excursions.
She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Phyllis Burt; brother-in-law, Edwin Burt Jr.; infant brother; and only grandson, Michael McLain.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd “Mike” McLain of Round Pond; daughter, Judy McLain of Nobleboro; son, Steven McLain of Bristol; granddaughter, Sarah McLain of Damariscotta; great-grandson, Ryan Hilton of Damariscotta; and nephews, Edwin “Ted” Burt III, and Gerald Burt and their families of New Hampshire.
A private graveside service to celebrate Irene’s life will be held in the spring at the Chamberlain Cemetery Round Pond.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; Round Pond Helping Hands, P.O. Box 114, Round Pond, ME 04564; or Round Pond Methodist Church, P.O. Box 92, Round Pond, ME 04564.
You can share your condolences with the family by visiting www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.