Obituary of Alvera McLain

McLain, Alvera (nee Crucy) Age 97. Formerly of Joliet, passed away peacefully in Colorado on April 25, 2013. Alvera was born September 2, 1915 in Yonkers, New York to Grace and Oscar Crucy. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart grade and high schools in Yonkers. Following her high school graduation, she entered The Cochran School of Nursing, St. John's Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, where she completed her training to become a registered nurse. She married Raymond A. McLain of Yonkers and together they moved to Joliet, Illinois, for employment. Alvera resided in Joliet for 50 years and eventually relocated to Lakewood, Colorado in 2004 to live close to her daughter, Virginia. Alvera was employed as a registered nurse at the original St. Joseph's Hospital in Joliet and retired from the Joliet Public Health Council, where she served as a visiting nurse. She was a longtime parishioner and communicant at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, where she was a member of the St. Patrick's Mother's Club, the 55 Club, and the League of Catholic Women. She was also a lifelong member of the Cochran School of Nursing Alum Association. In her 96th year, she donated her gold nursing pin to the school to honor the tradition of retired graduates bestowing their original nursing pins on young, outstanding graduates. Alvera was preceded by her husband, Raymond A. McLain; parents, Grace (Beacom) and Oscar Crucy; sister, Marion Crucy Karr (Arthur); and brother, Joseph Crucy (Patricia). She is survived by her daughter, Virginia McLain of Lakewood, Colorado, and her son, Raymond McLain (Suzanne Semitekol) of Durham, Maine; three grandchildren, Meeghan McLain (Joel Antolini) of Yarmouth, Maine, David McLain (Anne Connelly) of North Yarmouth, Maine and Simon McLain (Sarah Stock) of Cambridge, MA; six great grandchildren, Ella and Luca Antolini of Yarmouth, Maine, Finn and Myla McLain of North Yarmouth, Maine and Owen and Quinn Stock/McLain of Cambridge, MA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The following dear relatives and friends are remembered for their special kindness and care over the years: nephew, Jerry Karr of Stamford, CT.; nieces, Mary McLain Vogt and Patty McLain Wegryzn, Janet Helling, Mary Schuster (deceased), Stella Leddy (deceased) and Jean Budde, all of Joliet. Vera was able to remain independent until shortly before her death with the caring support of her family and Linda Forrester. Funeral Services for Alvera McLain will be Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet to St. Patrick Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the March of Dimes or Hospice in Vera's memory. Visitation Friday 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com