Alice McClain

Alice Marie McClain, 98, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away in Sheridan, Wyoming on Thursday, November 16, 2017. She is survived by her children: Thomas, Janet (Noble), Michael (Pam), and Daniel (Mary); six grandchildren: Michael, Brian, Megan, Nathan, Whitney, and Wesley; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Alice was born on May 25, 1919, in Coleridge, Nebraska, to Francis and Cecilia Gallagher. She spent most of her childhood in Sidney, Nebraska, and graduated from St. Patrick’s Academy in 1936. She came to Denver in the late1940s to work as a secretary for the Rio Grande Railroad. Alice joined the Cathedral Club for Catholic singles, and met her true love, James McClain, a mailman and WWII veteran. They married on April 14, 1951, at Blessed Sacrament Church. Alice and Jim raised their four children in Aurora as parishioners at St. Therese. Alice practiced her faith and prayed constantly. She was active in the Altar and Rosary Society, sang in the church choir, and volunteered at St. Therese School while continuing to work as a secretary at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Alice was always busy'cooking, cleaning, ironing, shopping, volunteering, reading, playing the piano, playing bridge, working full time, and expressing love for her family. She was a devoted wife who realized that her loving husband had made all her dreams come true. In addition, she was always aware of her children’s interests and supported and loved them unconditionally. As a courageous, young widow, Alice made God the cornerstone of her life. As a witness to His love, she continued to focus on the goodness and happiness of her children, grandchildren, and friends by reaching out and seeing the best in everyone. She attended daily Mass, prayed the Divine Office, Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy as well as reflective personal prayer. She continued to be actively involved in the Altar and Rosary Society and served a term as president. She volunteered with Catholic Charities and ministered to the residents of an Aurora nursing home by bringing Communion on Sundays. Alice exercised, traveled, played cards, and bowled. She witnessed many technological advances, was amazed, adapted, and made every attempt to use all the wonderful things that came to fruition. She enjoyed good health and peace of mind. Alice was an inspiration to her children and grandchildren, staying current, sharing in their interests, and praying for them. Her independence, positive spirit, and concern for others were hallmarks of who she was. Even as her health declined, Alice’s devotion to God, gratefulness, determination, sense of humor, and positive attitude brought joy to those around her and taught them much about the meaning of life. What a blessed life well-lived! Please send any donations to Catholic Charities ccdenver.org